Simon Pegg, who has been portraying the character of Benji Dunn in the Tom Cruise-helmed Mission: Impossible franchise since 2006, recently opened up about the possibility of his character dying in a future film. In an interview with CinemaBlend, Pegg said that he understands that the IMF team is expendable and that any of them could die at any time.
Last seen in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One which was released earlier this month, Pegg opened up on how he dreads if something like that happened to his character.
Simon Pegg opened up on the future of his characters
In the latest MI film, Dead Reckoning Part One, the audience witnessed a major character death. Hence, it won’t be a far-fetched idea to think that the makers are comfortable to let go of another major character in the franchise. While discussing the future of Benji Dunn in the series, Simon Pegg said,
“As I think Luther (Luther Stickell – Mission Impossible character) says, we don’t matter as much as the mission, and anyone of us at any time could face the end.”
However, admitting that he would be sad if Benji died, Pegg added that he understands that it is a possibility. He said,
“And if that happened, I’d be sad. You know I’ve lived with Benji for like… I mean ,wait, who’s to say it doesn’t happen? But I would be sad. He’s been in my life for 17 years. I’ve watched him, I’ve been him, growing up, becoming an older, more mature agent, and you know, they live a sort of tragic life in a way.”
It’s important to note that the uncertainty of additional films after Mission Impossible’s 8th installment has made the fate of the characters even more questionable. And this might be a major reason why actors and fans have been frettingting over the lives of the supporting members of the team, like Benji.
Is Mission Impossible series coming to an end?
Reportedly, the two-part Dead Reckoning arc could, at the very least, mark the end of an era in the Mission: Impossible franchise. The latest film and 2024’s much anticipated Part Two have been rumored to mark the end of Ethan Hunt’s story.
One of the reasons behind the decision could be that some fans and critics have advocated for Tom Cruise’s retirement from the franchise. However, at the same time, it’s important to note that Cruise’s recent comments indicate he wants to keep going – probably till the 2040s. While talking to SMH, the actor appreciated Harrison Ford for continuing with the Indiana Jones installment till the age of 80, and said,
“Harrison Ford is a legend; I hope to be still going; I’ve got 20 years to catch up with him. I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until I’m his age.”
Hence, based on his comments, Tom Cruise, who is currently 60- years- old might be up for playing Ethan Hunt till the 2040s. Fans who want to catch up on the other Mission Impossible films before heading to the cinema for the latest addition can do so now using a Paramount+ subscription.
