Keri Russell Reflects on Intense Stunt Work in ‘Mission: Impossible III’

During a promotional interview, actress Keri Russell recounted her experience filming action scenes for the 2006 movie “Mission: Impossible III” alongside Tom Cruise. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this installment of the popular franchise starred Cruise as super spy Ethan Hunt and featured Russell in the role of Hunt’s trainee, Lindsey Farris. The film is noted for its exhilarating action sequences, a hallmark of the series.

In a recent video segment with Variety, Russell reflected on the particular challenges of performing high-octane stunts in the film. One memorable scene involved the two actors jumping onto a moving van amid a backdrop of fiery explosions. In a candid moment, Cruise advised Russell on what to do if her hair caught fire during the stunt. “Just shake it out,” Cruise reportedly told her. Russell humorously recalled, “I was like, ‘Okay, really?’ P.S. I have a lot more hair than he does,” highlighting the hair-raising nature of the sequence.

Russell also remembered a gunfight sequence where a stunt was to be performed using CGI. However, Cruise insisted on performing the stunt practically. “Tom goes, ‘No, no, no, she can do it,'” Russell said, describing how Cruise encouraged her to catch a gun in real-time rather than rely on special effects. “Did it. It was so cool,” she added, praising the hands-on approach that Cruise championed.

The “Mission: Impossible” series, known for its intense and often dangerous stunts performed mainly by Cruise himself, has evolved significantly since its inception. The third installment, while not the highest grossing, played a pivotal role in defining the direction of the series, focusing heavily on real stunt work.

“Mission: Impossible III” grossed $398.5 million worldwide on a budget reported to be between $150 and $186 million. Despite its lower box office performance compared to other entries, the film was received positively by critics and laid the groundwork for the franchise’s future success.

Russell’s recollections offer an insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that contribute to the franchise’s unique brand of action. Tom Cruise’s dedication to authentic and practical stunt work continues to set “Mission: Impossible” apart from other action series, adding an element of realism appreciated by audiences.