Simon Pegg Reflects on Two Decades in Mission: Impossible Franchise

LOS ANGELES, CA — Simon Pegg is celebrating 20 years since he first stepped onto the Paramount lot to film his role as Benji Dunn in Mission: Impossible III. Originally hired for a small part, Pegg never expected to still be involved in the franchise with the release of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning on May 23, 2025.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Pegg recalled his first Hollywood experience. “I went to Hollywood for the first time, and I did my little bit on the Paramount lot. I then went home and figured that was it,” he said. But, much to his surprise, a year later, he received an email from director J.J. Abrams asking if he would be interested in making Benji a field agent, to which Pegg joyfully replied, “I would feel good.”

Now, the new film, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, continues the story as the Impossible Mission Force attempts to stop an entity from pushing the world toward nuclear destruction. This upcoming film also reflects on the character journey Benji Dunn has undergone over two decades, transitioning from a tech expert to a capable leader, especially in Ethan Hunt‘s absence.

Pegg acknowledged the absence of Rebecca Ferguson’s character, Ilsa Faust, who passed away in Dead Reckoning. “Rebecca was my buddy, and I love her very much,” Pegg shared, emphasizing the bond they developed during filming. He noted that the new cast members helped fill the void, creating a strong camaraderie throughout the filming process.

As for whether this film marks the end of his journey with the franchise, Pegg expressed uncertainty but allowed that it feels like a culmination of the series. “It feels like an end to me,” he stated, noting how the film revisits threads from earlier films and ties up various character arcs, especially Ethan’s.

Despite the adventures that lie in the past, Pegg remains tight-lipped about the future direction of the franchise, leaving fans guessing if more films await. As The Final Reckoning rapidly approaches its theatrical debut, the excitement builds for what may or may not be the conclusion of a beloved series.