Whenever an actor joins the Mission: Impossible franchise, it’s expected that they’ll follow in Tom Cruise’s footsteps and perform daring stunts. Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis, newcomers to the series, recently shared their experiences while shooting Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, including a thrilling chase scene in Rome, Italy.
During an interview with FilmSweep at the movie’s premiere, Whigham spoke with Editor-in-Chief Steve Weintraub about his impromptu decision to take the wheel and drive through the streets of Rome. Davis, on the other hand, found himself panicked and texting his mother in case anything went wrong. In the interview, Davis described the nerve-wracking moment when he realized there was no stunt driver available, leaving him at the mercy of Whigham’s driving skills.
Davis admitted to being terrified, but also expressed admiration for Whigham’s on-camera performance. Whigham revealed that while there wasn’t extensive preparation for the car stunts, his passion for driving helped him handle the challenges. Additionally, a stunt performer was always present to provide guidance and teach them incredible stunt techniques.
Whigham highlighted the advantage of having Cruise and director/screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie as producers of the franchise. Their involvement allows for meticulous planning and preparation of breathtaking stunts years in advance, even before the cast is assembled. Whigham also praised the duo for being open to suggestions and allowing the cast members to bring their own unique contributions to the film.
The interview also touched on the film’s spectacular shooting locations, such as the bustling streets of Rome and the Dubai airport, which was utilized in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One before its official opening. Whigham expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to film in these remarkable places, particularly mentioning the Spanish Steps, which held personal significance to him due to his admiration for poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Whigham credited Cruise’s influential connections, noting that if he makes a call to a prince or the mayor of a city like Rome, they’re more likely to accommodate the production’s needs.
While audiences have to wait a few more weeks to witness Whigham’s driving stunts on the big screen, early reactions indicate that Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is worth the anticipation. The film is set to premiere in theaters on July 12.
For more insights into the film, you can check out our conversation with Tom Cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about stunts
Q: What stunts did Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis perform in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning’?
A: Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis performed daring stunts, including a thrilling chase scene in Rome, Italy. Whigham took the wheel and drove through the Roman streets, while Davis experienced a moment of panic. They both had to handle intense driving sequences without a stunt driver.
