Mission Impossible 7 Director Reveals Jaw-Dropping Train Sequence: Unveiling the Spectacular Action

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One director Christopher McQuarrie denies being influenced by the Uncharted video game franchise for the movie's thrilling train sequence. In this newest installment of the renowned action series, Tom Cruise reprised his role to confront a perilous AI enemy. Following an array of breathtaking stunts, the film's climax showcases Cruise and co-star Hayley Atwell escaping from a train that is gradually plunging off a cliff. Some have drawn comparisons between this scene and a similar one in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.

McQuarrie has recently responded to a fan on Threads, providing clarification that the ending train sequence in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One was not influenced by Uncharted. See his response below:

Reply by @christophermcquarrie

When asked if Uncharted influenced a particular scene, a fan posed the question to McQuarrie. In response, the director states, "Not at all. I have limited knowledge about that world." Additionally, McQuarrie explains a tweet from 2015, which has since been deleted. The tweet mentioned "uncharted" in relation to the cargo plane sequence in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. However, McQuarrie clarifies that he was using the word in its literal sense, not as a reference to the game.

Is Dead Reckoning's Train Sequence Actually That Similar To Uncharted's?

Bruce Straley, the co-director of Uncharted 2, recently pointed out similarities between the train scene in Mission: Impossible 7 and the one in the game. Straley shared side-by-side comparisons of shots from both, highlighting their similar framing. Although the composition and overall setup of train cars tumbling off a cliff are alike, there are distinct details that differentiate the sequences. These differences include the mission Cruise's character is undertaking, the explosion of the train track bridge, and the presence of Grace, played by Atwell. While there is a resemblance in the framing of Ethan gripping a railing as the train flips vertically, mirroring Nathan Drake's position in the game, this similarity likely stems from both creators recognizing it as the most effective and thrilling way to capture the scene.

Christopher McQuarrie drew inspiration from directors John Ford and Steven Spielberg when approaching the big action sequences in Mission: Impossible 7. Although not explicitly mentioned by McQuarrie, some of the physical gags in the train sequence and beyond appear to be partially influenced by Buster Keaton's silent movie stunts. Whether or not McQuarrie took inspiration from specific sources, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is still a remarkable accomplishment in the realm of action filmmaking.