Unveiling Mission: Impossible 7's Intriguing AI Villain: A Deep Dive into Modern Anxiety Towards Technology

In a recent interview with Collider, Christopher McQuarrie, the director of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, discussed the decision-making process behind selecting the next major threat in the film, which coincides with contemporary concerns regarding AI. Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) embarks on another mission, leading the IMF team on a quest to locate a crucial component capable of dismantling a highly dangerous and sentient AI known as the Entity. Various factions are competing to obtain both parts of the key, desperately seeking control over the Entity. As Dead Reckoning Part One concludes with Ethan and the IMF team poised to pursue the Entity, Part Two promises to delve even deeper into the profound questions surrounding the potential real-world dangers posed by AI. McQuarrie's exploration of the AI threat in the movie reflects his intention to address timely issues and resonate with audiences. Here is his insightful quote from the interview:

In 2018/2019, we began discussing the next villain or threat for the Mission series. We wanted to explore new territory after covering nuclear, chemical, and biological threats, such as the Rabbit's Foot. To keep things fresh, we looked towards technology, specifically AI, which is currently a popular topic of conversation. When I proposed this idea to Tom, I mentioned that a few years ago, it might have been too complex for most people. However, now it seems that the audience is more familiar with these concepts.

I compare this shift to the Cold War. During my upbringing, the Cold War was a palpable and ever-present threat. We felt the constant fear of nuclear destruction and the potential for war between powerful nations. When watching a Cold War movie, there was no need for extensive explanation about the threat because we already understood it. It was something we brought with us to the movie. So, in my conversation with Tom, I asked, "What are people bringing to the movie now? It's not the Cold War or the war on terror. It's something new. What is this underlying anxiety?"

In the zeitgeist, there was a prevalent anxiety surrounding the impact of technology on our lives. Our goal was to address this anxiety and provide the audience with a sense of relief through the movie. This is the essence of the film. When Top Gun was released in 1986, the Cold War loomed large, adding to the anxiety viewers brought with them. However, the movie reassured them that everything would ultimately be alright. It offered an escape from that anxious state.

In our discussions, we delved into topics such as AI, algorithms, and information technology dating back to 2018/2019. My co-writer, Erik Jendresen, and I have put a lot of time and effort into both Part One and Part Two. Part Two contains elements that were incredibly prescient, which may astonish and unsettle you, if you found this thought-provoking already.

Why Mission: Impossible 7's AI Is So Haunting

The Entity, with its ability to calculate Ethan's every move, is arguably the most chilling villain he has encountered. What makes it truly frightening is its elusive nature, making it a formidable adversary for Ethan to defeat. The mechanical and technological framework of the Entity poses a significant challenge, as it is not easily tangible or sentient. While theoretically possible to shut down the AI body, it requires specific coding to override the system, as seen in Dead Reckoning Part One.

Adding to the terror, the Entity is omnipresent and can predict every move made by IMF. With this constant threat and surveillance, the situation becomes even more perilous when they rise above mere mortal limitations. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One aims to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and the Entity certainly succeeds in delivering those moments of suspense.

Making matters even more challenging, Ethan has no knowledge of the Entity's intentions. Its motives are veiled in secrecy and will likely remain unknown until the sequel, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two, is released. The Entity embodies the quintessential villain, seamlessly blending action, intrigue, and real-world concerns regarding the precariousness of artificial intelligence. Capitalizing on the growing controversy surrounding AI, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One skillfully utilizes this threat to create a truly unsettling antagonist.