Light The Fuse - A Mission: Impossible Podcast

The teaser trailer for “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is here! And Drew and Charles break it all down, including all of the Easter eggs, callbacks to earlier entries in the franchise and potential reveals. We're so thrilled to be back and to be talking about the new movie! You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are going back to the vaults to dig up our 200th-episode spectacular, anchored by Christopher McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen and including Tom Cruise, Nick Offerman, Eddie Hamilton, Glen Powell, Greg Tarzan Davis and Mark Gatiss. What more do you need to know? Just listen! This episode was originally released in August 2022. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We loved our conversation with "Top Gun: Maverick" editor Eddie Hamilton so much, we just had to bring it back. Join us as we discuss how editing “Top Gun: Maverick” was like climbing a mountain, the process of approximating the look of Tony Scott's original “Top Gun” and just how tricky the introductory bar scene in “Top Gun: Maverick” was to get right. Plus what Edgar Wright contributed to the movie and Tom Cruise's very best note. You don't want to miss this! This episode was originally released in June 2022. "Top Gun: Maverick" is available to buy on digital and on 4K Ultra HD Disc, Blu-ray and DVD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're talking to "Top Gun: Maverick" director Joseph Kosinski about what he brought to the long-simmering sequel (he pitched Tom Cruise on the set of “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”), working with Val Kilmer, the emotional core of the movie, and, of course, Tom Cruise's hair. This episode was originally released May 2022. "Top Gun: Maverick" is available to buy on digital and on 4K Ultra HD Disc, Blu-ray and DVD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on “The Directors” we are speaking with Richard Linklater, who directed the classic Paramount film “School of Rock” and also made “The Bad News Bears” and “Everybody Wants Some!!” for the studio. Learn about his unique approach to the material, how making “School of Rock” differed from his more indie films and more. Also: we talk about his sexy new comedic thriller “Hit Man.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are joined by Sean S. Cunningham for this very special, very spooky episode of “The Directors.” “Friday the 13th” director Cunningham tells us about the origins of the film, how they actually produced the movie and what it was like to kill Kevin Bacon with an arrow. Grab your popcorn, turn out the lights and listen up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's go back to (almost) the beginning with our very in-depth conversation with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie. In this episode, McQuarrie talks about his involvement in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” how that wound up with him directing “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” and finally about the just-released (at the time) “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” It's a wonderful chat with one of our favorite people. This episode was originally released in December 2018. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are so thrilled to be joined by Dan Trachtenberg, the filmmaker behind “10 Cloverfield Lane,” on this week's episode of “The Directors.” We discuss working within the Bad Robot framework, how the movie was supposed to look and what J.J. Abrams contributed. Plus, get updates on Trachtenberg's “Prey” sequel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining us on this episode of “The Directors” is Dan Trachtenberg, the director of new Paramount classic “10 Cloverfield Lane.” In this episode, learn about Trachtenberg's origin story, how he got on board the project and how a spec script called “The Cellar” became “10 Cloverfield Lane.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are revisiting our conversation with Oscar®-winning cinematographer Robert Elswit, who shot both “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.” It was a huge thrill getting to chat with this legend, who shares details about the making of both films, including what it was like to shoot the Burj, how his background in visual effects aided in the underwater sequence and what went into the opera sequence. It's a doozy! This episode was originally released in February 2019. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexander Payne joins us on “The Directors,” where we touch on his other Paramount gems – the road trip movie “Nebraska” and the underrated “Downsizing.” Learn how he got the studio to agree to black-and-white for “Nebraska” and why he thinks “Downsizing” should have been a television series instead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of “The Directors” we are joined by Alexander Payne, who takes us through the inception and making of his early Paramount classic “Election.” Payne discusses the challenges with multiple voiceovers, working with MTV and his playful sense of continuity. If you love “Election” as much as we do (and even if you don't), this is a very fun conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Giacchino is a world-famous composer who did both “Mission: Impossible III” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” He is also a very cool guy. We talked to him about how he got involved with the franchise, working with filmmakers J.J. Abrams and Brad Bird, and his debut solo album. And yes, we also talk about the amazing track names on the score albums. This episode was originally released in November 2020. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Jonathan Lynn, who made the cult comedy classic “Clue,” this time talking about the film's release and some of his other projects, notably “The Distinguished Gentleman,” “The Whole Nine Yards” and the Oscar-winning “My Cousin Vinny.” It's a good one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Jonathan Lynn, the filmmaker behind the immortal based-on-a-board-game comedic mystery “Clue.” Learn how he joined the project, the decision to engage with the multiple endings idea and how there was a fourth ending that was ultimately cut. It doesn't take a detective to see that this is a super-entertaining chat! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Knoll is one of the most legendary visual effects artists in history. He also served as the visual effects supervisor for both the first “Mission: Impossible” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” He talks about the shot he did on the first film to get his name in the opening credits, working with “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” director Brad Bird on the unmade earthquake epic “1906” and we get his Tom Cruise hair rankings. This episode was originally released in February 2020. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by Howard Deutch, the filmmaker behind “Pretty in Pink.” Learn what advice Deutch was given by “Mission: Impossible” director Brian De Palma, go behind the scenes of “Some Kind of Wonderful,” hear about how much John Candy hated making “The Great Outdoors," and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “The Directors,” we are so thrilled to be chatting with filmmaker Howard Deutch, who directed “Pretty in Pink” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.” This week we get into his collaborative relationship with John Hughes, how Duckie was a controversial figure, and his unmade Hughes project “Oil and Vinegar” – plus much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time to look your best because we are joined by Michael Kaplan, the genius costume designer for “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” and one of the most talented people currently living (just look up his résumé). We discuss Tom Cruise's quick-change outfit, the gecko gloves and – of course! – the snow ensembles that he created but were never used. This is an amazing conversation, down to the last stitch. This episode was originally released in April 2020. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, better known as the ZAZ team. And while we continue our deep dive into the making of “Airplane!,” we also discuss “Top Secret!,” “Police Squad,” “The Naked Gun” and – of course! – “Ghost,” which was directed by Jerry and became a phenomenon. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll question every decision you've ever made! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are really joined by The Directors this week – directors Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, otherwise known as ZAZ. This week we dive deep into the making of their immortal comedy classic “Airplane!.” Learn about the movie's connection to “Mission: Impossible” and so much more. It's a gas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lorne Balfe's score for “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” is an all-time classic, so you can imagine how thrilled we were to talk to the composer about how it all came together. Learn his inspiration for unforgettable cues and how composing the music was its own (almost) impossible mission. This episode was originally released in October 2018. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Wayne's World” director Penelope Spheeris shares the secret to making a movie based on a “Saturday Night Live" sketch, discusses whether it's true Dana Carvey wanted to quit before filming started, and reveals whether or not the headbanging was improvised. Plus, get bonus stories about Alice Cooper and the late, great Chris Farley. It rocks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the first installment of our miniseries, The Directors, we chat with director Penelope Spheeris, director of “Wayne's World.” We discuss how she boarded the project, how her background making music documentaries informed her directorial choices, and get great stories about Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. Party on! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our very first miniseries, “The Directors,” we talk to filmmakers who have made truly iconic Paramount movies to find out what that process was like, getting all of the details and juicy tidbits that only we can. From Penelope Spheeris to Alexander Payne, it's an unforgettable trip through cinema history. Starting March 12th, new episodes every Tuesday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They said it couldn't be done, but we proved the doubters wrong. This is our 100th episode spectacular. And if that's confusing, well, that's okay, because this was from the original version of the show. All you need to know is that we are joined by Christopher McQuarrie, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell and Lorne Balfe. Also: it's totally unpredictable and so much fun. Join us, won't you? This episode was originally released in May 2020. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Hirsch is one of the most legendary editors of all time, and this week he joins us to talk about the first “Mission: Impossible” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” Included in this chat: details about Brian De Palma filming his wedding, how Brad Bird's approach to editing changed him, and a description of a gory “Ghost Protocol” deleted scene. This really has it all! This episode was originally released in June 2019. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're taking it back to our very first interview with Eddie Hamilton, the editor of “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” and “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” Learn about the collaborative process between Hamilton, writer/director Christopher McQuarrie and star Tom Cruise, the making of both films and what Hamilton's rankings currently are. This episode was originally released in December 2018. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brad Bird never recorded a commentary track for “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” but he did sit down for this extended interview. Learn how close Vanessa Redgrave came to being in the movie, why “Ghost Protocol” has a full title sequence, and the reason why the climax wasn't grislier. Accept it. This episode was originally released in March 2019. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the anniversary of “Jack Reacher,” we chatted with writer/director Christopher McQuarrie. We go deep on the movie, including how “Jack Reacher” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” are inexorably linked, why Tom Cruise was a perfect Reacher, and how they constructed the movie's wordless opening. This episode was originally released in December 2022. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've ever wondered what it was like to pull together the script for the first “Mission: Impossible,” let writer David Koepp walk you through it. Koepp shares screenplay credit with Robert Towne and talks us through the characters' names, does a killer Brian De Palma impression, discusses Luther's survival, and gets into the criticism that the movie was too confusing. This episode has it all! This episode was originally released in October 2020. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's true – we spoke to director Brian De Palma, the filmmaker behind the first “Mission: Impossible” and probably a few of your other favorite movies too. We were celebrating the release of De Palma's first book with Susan Lehman, “Are Snakes Necessary?” but discuss the making of the first movie, along with his notes for the opening crawl of “Star Wars,” replacing Alan Silvestri with Danny Elfman, and editor Paul Hirsch's wedding. It's an epic extravaganza! This episode was originally released in June 2021. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” supervising sound editor James H. Mather is responsible for all of those incredible sounds in the movie – and we were very lucky to get to talk to him. On this episode we go inside two of the biggest stunts in the movie – the motorcycle jump and the train sequence. Plus so much more. Turn the volume up. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by James H. Mather, supervising sound editor for “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” to talk about all the fabulous sounds that he and his team packed into the movie. This week we discuss how close our dogs got to being in the movie, the overall design of the sounds and finding the “voice” for the Entity. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Producer Paula Wagner, who worked on the first three “Mission: Impossible” movies alongside Tom Cruise, joins us for more stories from the franchise. And this week we discuss the sequels – how “M:I-II” came to be, the choice to go with Oliver Stone and eventually John Woo, and the subsequent development of the third movie, which was worked on by everyone from David Fincher to Joe Carnahan. We go deep this week! You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we are joined by Paula Wagner, a producer of the first three “Mission: Impossible” movies. Wagner tells us about forming a company with Tom Cruise, initial attempts at the movie, why they hired Brian De Palma and how they achieved the Langley sequence. Wagner's role in the franchise cannot be overstated. You do not want to miss this. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined again by the legendary John Woo, director of “Mission: Impossible II.” In this episode, Woo talks about characterization through action, the truth behind the infamous “Woo cut” of the movie and why Woo wanted to direct “Top Gun: Maverick.” Plus, we get great “Face/Off” and “Hard Boiled” stories too. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We could not be more thrilled to be joined by John Woo, the director of “Mission: Impossible II” (and the current “Silent Night”). Learn what his creative process was like for the sequel, how Woo and Tom Cruise worked together and, yes, we discuss Cruise's glorious long hair (and where the idea for it came from). You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rarely are unmade versions of “Mission: Impossible” movies discussed, but that's exactly what we're doing with David Marconi, who wrote a version of “Mission: Impossible II” for Oliver Stone. His version involved a malevolent A.I. (sound familiar?) and this week we discuss technology, where his involvement in the sequel ended, and what it was like working with Jackie Chan (on “The Foreigner”). Remember to delete your cookies beforehand. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by writer David Marconi, who penned early drafts of a version of “Mission: Impossible II” being made by director Oliver Stone. That's right, we're traveling into the multiverse baby! Learn how Marconi got attached, what his version of the sequel was all about, and what it was like working with Tom Cruise while he shot “Eyes Wide Shut.” Also: find out what elements from his draft made it into other “M:I” movies. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Dale Dye, who played Barnes in the first “Mission: Impossible” and was the technical advisor on every major war movie of the past 40 years. This week Dye shares a hilarious story about working with Terrence Malick, talks about the making of “Under Siege” and says that Tom Cruise has “no quit.” Are you up to the challenge? You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for rush hour! Check out the trailer for "50 MPH", a podcast hosted by our friend Kris Tapley, which is dedicated to the making and legacy of Jan de Bont's 1994 summer movie blockbuster SPEED. Across 50 episodes, this one-of-a-kind oral history takes you on a breakneck journey from conception to execution, distribution and beyond. Through conversations with actors, executives, filmmakers, film scholars and film fans, 50 MPH will attempt to secure SPEED's rightful place in the canon of action cinema on the way to celebrating its fast-approaching 30th anniversary in style. Don't forget to fasten your seatbelts! Listen to the 50 MPH wherever you get your podcasts. Check out the website: https://50mphpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Dale Dye, who played Barnes in the first “Mission: Impossible” and was technical advisor for your favorite war movie (seriously, look it up) after serving in Vietnam. This week Dye tells us about working on the first movie, including a number of scenes that you probably didn't know he was in and how he became a close collaborator of Oliver Stone's (yes, we ask about Stone's “Mission: Impossible II”).  You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are joined by Arthur Anderson, first assistant director for “Mission: Impossible II” and co-producer on “M:I-III.” And we are talking all things “M:I-III.” Anderson was the one who orchestrated the fake film shoot down the street from the Vatican, so we obviously discuss that. Plus learn about the running shot in China and the inside story on “Beverly Hills Cop 3” (just go with it). You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are joined by Arthur Anderson, first assistant director for “Mission: Impossible II” and co-producer on “M:I-III.” We discuss his collaborative process with director John Woo, how the motorcycle joust came to be and how they pulled off the “knife in the eye” moment with a very willing Tom Cruise. He helped make the impossible possible. You can own “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on digital and 4K HD, Blu-ray and DVD now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special bonus episode we're detailing the news about the release of the next “Mission: Impossible” – both a new release date, a possible name change and a premium format window. Plus we discuss some of the special features on the “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” home video release and talk about our feelings on the movie. “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is available on digital now and will be on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD on October 31st. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're once again joined by Eddie Hamilton, Oscar®-nominated editor of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” who discusses the new mythology of the IMF introduced in the new film, where the F-word was almost uttered and, of course, our favorite subject: dogs. It's a howling good time. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" is available to buy on digital October 10th and on 4K Ultra HD Disc, Blu-ray and DVD on October 31st. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue our chat with Eddie Hamilton, Oscar®-nominated editor of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” who takes us through the process of getting the movie ready for release. We discuss the differences between shooting digitally and on film, whether lenses can convey emotion, and the hardest scene to get right in the new movie. Plus, learn how “Star Wars” informed “MIDRP1.” "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" is available to buy on digital October 10th and on 4K Ultra HD Disc, Blu-ray and DVD on October 31st. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Eddie Hamilton, editor of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” We talk about the complexities of the train sequence, Eddie compares the challenges of this film to his Oscar®-nominated work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” and he discusses his relationship with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" is available to buy on digital October 10th and on 4K Ultra HD Disc, Blu-ray and DVD on October 31st. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon Pegg (Benji) returns to the show, this time to go deep on all things “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” We talk about the airplane sequence (which he equated to “Toy Story 2”), why Steven Spielberg would make a good fit for the franchise (plus how Spielberg hired him for another movie based on “Rogue Nation”) and the Ilsa/Benji relationship. It's a humdinger! See "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" exclusively in theaters now. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" is available to buy on digital October 10th and on 4K Ultra HD Disc, Blu-ray and DVD on October 31st. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles Parnell, who plays the representative from the National Reconnaissance Office in the big sequence with The Community in “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” is here with us this episode. He talks about the key to delivering exposition, working on that sequence and, of course, his role as Warlock in “Top Gun: Maverick.” See "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" exclusively in theaters now. "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" is available to buy on digital October 10th and on 4K Ultra HD Disc, Blu-ray and DVD on October 31st. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices