Hannah Waddingham Reveals Crazy Secret to Landing Mission: Impossible 8 Role

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Hannah Waddingham is well-known for her Emmy-winning character Rebecca Welton from Ted Lasso, but starting this Friday, she’ll appear in the eighth installment of the renowned series. Waddingham, who portrays Admiral Neely in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, has shared insights on how she landed a role in Tom Cruise’s spy film.

In an interview, Waddingham expressed that the job offer was “exceptionally challenging,” saying, “They invite you…It’s like Tom Cruise inviting you to board the George H.W. Bush Fighter Carrier, smack dab in the middle of the ocean, and you need to get there by helicopter.” She humorously added, “And I let out a string of expletives.

“I’m a Proper Geek”

Waddingham expressed that the experience of the journey left her utterly astonished to the point where she neglected to inquire about her role in the movie. In essence, as a dedicated fan, she was so excited that she didn’t even think twice about it.

The actress mentioned that there wasn’t enough time for her to catch a breath between shooting scenes alongside Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, and others, before she had to rush off to work on the eighth Mission: Impossible film.

A Quick Turnaround Between Projects

On Saturdays, I would return from Sydney after wrapping up Fall Guy and quickly switch bags. The following morning, I headed to Burnie Airport where I encountered Tom Cruise and the director. Both were wonderful individuals. We hopped onto a Black Hawk helicopter, just the three of us. I have photographic proof, if you can call me a fool for having it! I also have all the videos. We flew over the ocean and landed on the George H.W. Bush Fighter Carrier, which was bustling with over 4,500 active service members eager to greet us. They were equally excited because a legendary film star was landing on their ship. Waddingham humorously described the experience as “very casual.

Waddingham Was Given the Admiral Treatment

In “The Final Reckoning,” Waddingham, who portrays an admiral, got a taste of what it’s like to be in that role while aboard the ship. She shared, “I spent five nights and six days. I was sleeping in the real admiral’s quarters, and throughout the day and night, F18s were conducting exercises, landing and taking off repeatedly. To be honest, I became so engrossed that I had to remind myself I was there to perform for the cameras.

The movie titled “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” will premiere in theaters starting May 23rd, a date that is currently not available for streaming on Apple TV+.

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2025-05-22 00:10