Jaw-Dropping Twist Revealed: Mission: Impossible 7's Director Unveils Mind-Blowing Alternate Opening Scene that Almost Brought Back Alec Baldwin

Summary

Director Christopher McQuarrie considered starting Mission: Impossible 7 with a flashback that brought back Alec Baldwin's character, Alan Hunley.

Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin would have been seen strolling along the Berlin Wall in the opening sequence, where Baldwin imparts advice to Ethan about his life as a spy. The scene would then transition to Ethan standing beside Hunley's grave. Although the flashback was not included in Mission: Impossible 7, there remains a chance for Hunley to make a return in a future installment through flashback sequences.

Christopher McQuarrie, the director of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, provides insight into a potential alternative opening for the film which could have included the return of Alec Baldwin's character, Alan Hunley. The highly anticipated seventh installment of the action-packed franchise brings back Tom Cruise as the iconic superspy Ethan Hunt, who this time finds himself facing off against a dangerous rogue AI known as the Entity. Hunt is joined by his loyal team of comrades, including Benji (portrayed by Simon Pegg), Ilsa (played by Rebecca Ferguson), and Luther (portrayed by Ving Rhames).

Baldwin's Hunley does not make a return in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One's cast. However, McQuarrie discussed the possibility of bringing the actor back on the Empire Spoiler Specials podcast. Despite Hunley's death in Mission: Impossible - Fallout, McQuarrie considered starting the latest sequel with a flashback featuring Ethan's past interactions with Hunley. Here is McQuarrie's complete comment:

Berlin was beckoning to us. The movie began with a scene of Tom and Alec Baldwin strolling alongside the Berlin Wall. Gradually, the realization set in that it was indeed the famous Berlin Wall they were walking along. Alec Baldwin, portraying the character of Ethan, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tom about his life as a spy and how he came to be one.

The audience witnesses this touching moment, understanding that Alec is Ethan's trusted counselor and mentor. We catch a glimpse of the deep friendship that these two characters shared prior to the events of Fallout. Suddenly, the scene shifts and we find Tom standing by a grave, having absorbed the words of wisdom imparted by Alec. His gaze fixates on a gravestone bearing the name 'Hunley'.

This concept of Alec Baldwin acting as a spiritual guide to Ethan through his memories was an idea that fascinated me from the earliest stages of developing the story.

Could Alec Baldwin Ever Return To Mission: Impossible?

Baldwin initially joined the Mission: Impossible franchise in 2015's Rogue Nation, portraying the CIA director. In the well-received sequel, Hunley assumes the role of IMF secretary until he is fatally stabbed by Henry Cavill's double agent in front of Ethan. Although their past relationship remains somewhat mysterious, their final moments indicate a high level of respect between them.

Aside from Ethan, who technically dies in Mission: Impossible 3, the franchise typically does not resurrect characters. While there have been few significant character deaths throughout the series, they are usually permanent. Nevertheless, McQuarrie's recent comment suggests that flashbacks may be the most effective means of bringing back Hunley.

The absence of a Hunley flashback in Mission: Impossible 7 does not guarantee its exclusion in Mission: Impossible 8. These two films share a strong narrative connection. Moreover, the upcoming movie is expected to delve deeper into Berlin and Ethan's association with the city. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One will showcase various flashbacks in which Cruise's character interacts with a enigmatic woman named Marie (Mariela Garriga) in the city.

Source: Empire Spoiler Specials/ Spotify