Angela Bassett’s ‘Only Stunt’ in “Mission: Impossible” Is ‘Walking’: ‘No FOMO’ Watching Tom Cruise (Exclusive)

Angela Bassett’s ‘Mission: Impossible’ Stunt’: ‘Walking’ (Exclusive)

Angela Bassett, renowned for her outstanding performances, is set to return to the thrilling world of the Mission: Impossible franchise. In an exclusive special issue of PEOPLE, Bassett shared fascinating details about her character’s journey in the upcoming film, ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’. Bassett, who portrays the U.S. president in the action-packed sequel, opened up about her unique experience working alongside the dynamic Tom Cruise and the remarkable stunt team behind the franchise.

Bassett, now reprising her role as President Erika Sloane, reflects on her character’s evolution from heading the CIA in the previous installment to facing new challenges in a high-stakes scenario involving an A.I. threat. The actress acknowledges that while Cruise and the team execute mind-blowing stunts, her involvement in such death-defying feats is limited to the simple act of walking. With a sense of contentment, she expresses that she does not experience FOMO (fear of missing out) in not partaking in the exhilarating stunts seen in the film.

The dynamic between Bassett’s character and Cruise’s Ethan Hunt adds layers of complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of cooperation and risk-taking. Bassett describes her character as an integral part of the franchise’s ensemble, comparing it to being a piece of a well-orchestrated symphony. The collaborative effort between writer-director Christopher McQuarrie, Cruise, and the entire team was crucial in seamlessly integrating Sloane back into the franchise’s storyline.

Portraying a female American president on screen has been a notable highlight for Bassett, who also depicted a similar role in Netflix’s series ‘Zero Day’ this year. Reflecting on the significance of representing empowered female figures, Bassett emphasises the aspirational nature of such roles, hoping to see these portrayals manifest in reality someday. The actress believes in the power of on-screen representation to inspire and pave the way for greater inclusivity.

‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’, featuring a stellar cast including Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and more, is set to hit theatres on May 23. For fans eager to delve deeper into the behind-the-scenes world of the franchise, PEOPLE’s special edition offers exclusive interviews and captivating insights into the making of the film. As the anticipation builds for the latest instalment in the action-packed series, audiences can expect a rollercoaster ride of suspense, intrigue, and adrenaline-fueled thrills.

With her compelling portrayal and unwavering dedication to her craft, Angela Bassett continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As an esteemed figure in the entertainment industry, Bassett’s impactful presence in ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ promises to be a memorable and exhilarating cinematic experience. Stay tuned for more updates and exclusive coverage as the much-anticipated film release draws near.