Ving Rhames Reflects on Survival and Upcoming Mission: Impossible Film

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Ving Rhames, known for his role as Luther Stickell in the Mission: Impossible franchise, recently spoke about his journey within the long-running series during an interview with Screen Rant’s Ash Crossan. Rhames detailed how close he came to being killed off in the first film and his thoughts on the emotional depth of the upcoming installment, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, set to arrive in theaters on May 23, 2025.

In the franchise, Rhames is one of the only two actors, alongside Tom Cruise, to appear in all the films. As Ethan Hunt‘s trusted ally, Luther has not only survived but thrived, altering the franchise’s trajectory with his presence.

Reflecting on his time in the series, Rhames expressed gratitude for not being cut from the cast early on. He recalled a moment during filming when he learned that his character was originally scripted to die within the first ten pages. “I asked, ‘Why is it the black man always dies in the first 10 pages?'” Rhames said. He continued, “Tom [Cruise] and Brian De Palma agreed, and I felt very fortunate to have made it to number eight.”

Rhames hinted at the emotional stakes in The Final Reckoning, saying fans can expect a deeper exploration of the relationship between his character and Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. “You can expect a lot of emotion and a lot of dealing with the human experience, especially between Tom and I,” he noted. “You’ll learn about our relationship and the characters’ sacrifices for the greater good.”

The plot of The Final Reckoning will pick up shortly after the events of the previous film, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, continuing the saga as Hunt and his allies confront new threats, including the formidable foes known as the Entity and Gabriel.

Throughout his time in the franchise, Luther has showcased his loyalty, assisting Hunt in crucial missions and becoming integral to the storyline. His reluctance to betray Hunt added layers of complexity to the plot in the first film, establishing a relationship founded on trust—a theme prevalent in subsequent installments.

The Mission: Impossible franchise continues to grow more ambitious with each release, as evidenced by the critical acclaim for recent films. The latest installment, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, received a 96% score, suggesting that audiences can expect nothing less than high-stakes action and thrilling narratives in the upcoming film.

As fans eagerly await the release of The Final Reckoning, Rhames’ character is sure to play a significant role in the unfolding drama, proving that character alliances are vital in a plot woven with intrigue and suspense.