9 lesser known facts about Mission Impossible franchise

Max’s Gender Switch: The role of Max in Mission: Impossible III, played by Vanessa Redgrave, was originally written for a male character.

Based on a Classic Series: The Mission: Impossible movies are based on a 1966 TV series starring Steven Hill, Barbara Bain, and Greg Morris.

Real Explosions in Action: Actual explosives and wind machines were used during the intense train scene in the first film to make it feel real.

Christopher McQuarrie is the only director to helm several Mission: Impossible films, including the upcoming The Final Reckoning.

Rachel McAdams Offer: Rachel McAdams was offered a role in MI:3 but didn’t end up joining the cast.

Real Knife Scene Tom Cruise insisted on using a real knife during his final fight with Dougray Scott in Mission: Impossible 2.

TV Cast Controversy: Original TV cast members were upset with the first MI movie for turning their hero, Jim Phelps, into a villain.

J.J. Abrams’ Big Start: MI:3 marked J.J. Abrams’ debut as a feature film director before he moved on to direct Star Trek.

MI Film Trivia: The first Mission: Impossible movie was completed earlier than planned and cost less than expected.