Mission: Impossible Cast: See Where the Stars of the Original Film Are Now After Nearly 30 Years

When Mission: Impossible hit theaters in 1996, it marked the beginning of one of the most successful and thrilling action franchises in film history.

The movie not only solidified Tom Cruise’s status as one of Hollywood’s top action stars but also introduced fans to an unforgettable cast, each playing a vital role in the explosive plot.

Nearly 30 years after the film’s release, the original cast members have gone on to lead varied and fascinating careers.

From award-winning performances to taking on some of the most iconic action sequences, here’s where the stars of Mission: Impossible are now.

Tom Cruise – Ethan Hunt

Tom Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt, the relentless and daring IMF agent, remains one of the defining roles of his career.

The movie set the stage for the actor to become a staple in high-octane action films, with Mission: Impossible and its subsequent sequels becoming integral parts of his filmography.

The movie’s iconic vault heist scene, where Cruise dangles by cables, continues to be one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history.

Despite the immense challenges the stunt posed, Cruise pulled it off and showcased his dedication to performing his own daring feats.

Since then, Cruise’s career has spanned a variety of genres, from the intense courtroom drama A Few Good Men to the thrilling Top Gun franchise.

He starred in Minority Report, War of the Worlds, and Edge of Tomorrow, each movie reinforcing his standing as a versatile performer willing to tackle any challenge.

Cruise’s return to the Mission: Impossible franchise continues, with fans eagerly awaiting Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning in May 2025.

Despite his continued success on screen, his personal life, which has included three high-profile marriages, has been the subject of public interest.

Jon Voight – Jim Phelps

Jon Voight, a seasoned actor with decades of experience, took on the role of Jim Phelps, the leader of the IMF team, in the original film. However, the twist in the plot revealed that Phelps was actually a villain, double-crossing the team he once led.

Voight’s career had already seen monumental success by the time Mission: Impossible came along, with notable roles in Midnight Cowboy, Deliverance, and Coming Home, the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

In the years following Mission: Impossible, Voight continued to earn acclaim, particularly for his portrayal of Howard Cosell in Ali and his Golden Globe-winning role as Mickey Donovan in Ray Donovan.

Most recently, he appeared in Megalopolis (2024), solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s enduring talents.

Voight’s personal life has also drawn attention, as he is the father of actress Angelina Jolie, whose career has often mirrored his own in terms of fame and success.

Emmanuelle Béart – Claire Phelps

French actress Emmanuelle Béart, who played Claire Phelps, Jim’s wife and Ethan’s reluctant ally, found herself at the heart of the film’s complex plot. With her commanding presence, Béart’s role as the enigmatic character left audiences captivated.

Having already earned recognition in France, where she won a César Award for Manon of the Spring, Béart was well-established in European cinema by the time she ventured into Hollywood.

Following Mission: Impossible, Béart returned to French cinema, working with directors such as Claude Chabrol and François Ozon. Her distinct blend of beauty and intensity allowed her to take on a variety of roles across film and television.

Béart has had her share of personal ups and downs, including high-profile marriages, but her focus on her craft remains strong, as seen in her recent work in the French film 8 Women (2002).

Henry Czerny – Eugene Kittridge

Henry Czerny, who portrayed IMF director Eugene Kittridge, delivered a memorable performance as the stern and calculating superior.

Initially coming off as a potential antagonist, Czerny’s character arc in the franchise evolved, especially with his return in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning (2023), where Kittridge was revealed to be a more complex character.

Czerny’s career began in Canadian theater and television, but after Mission: Impossible, he became a sought-after actor, appearing in The Ice Storm, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and Ready or Not (2019).

His return to the franchise in recent years has been met with excitement by fans, with Czerny commenting on how his character has grown and shifted over time. In his personal life, Czerny is married to Claudine Cassidy, with whom he shares a son.

Vanessa Redgrave – Max

Veteran actress Vanessa Redgrave played the elusive arms dealer Max in Mission: Impossible, a role that allowed her to showcase her ability to keep audiences guessing about her character’s true allegiances.

Redgrave, already an acting icon by the time she joined the cast, has earned multiple Academy Award nominations, winning one for her role in Julia (1977).

She continued to shine in prestigious films like Blow-Up (1966) and Murder on the Orient Express (1974), as well as in later years, with standout performances in Atonement (2007) and Foxcatcher (2014).

Now in her 80s, Redgrave remains active in the industry and is revered as a true legend of stage and screen. Her marriage to actor Franco Nero, with whom she shares a son, remains a central part of her personal story.

Jean Reno – Franz Krieger

French actor Jean Reno played Franz Krieger, an ex-IMF agent and helicopter pilot who helped Ethan Hunt, only to betray him later. Known for his iconic role in Léon: The Professional (1994), Reno has enjoyed a career that spans both French and international cinema.

His roles in Godzilla (1998) and The Da Vinci Code (2006) brought him further recognition, and more recently, he appeared in Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods (2020). Reno’s personal life includes three marriages and six children, with his current wife being British model Zofia Borucka.

Ving Rhames – Luther Stickell

Ving Rhames brought depth to the role of Luther Stickell, the computer whiz who worked alongside Ethan in the original Mission: Impossible film.

Known for his deep voice and imposing presence, Rhames has been a mainstay in the Mission: Impossible franchise, appearing in every installment. His earlier work in Pulp Fiction (1994) solidified his place as a versatile actor capable of both drama and action.

Rhames’ career has included a broad range of projects, from the Dawn of the Dead remake to voice work in Lilo & Stitch (2002). He has also appeared in acclaimed films like Con Air (1997) and The A-Team (2010).

Rhames continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood, balancing his work in television and film.

Kristin Scott Thomas – Sarah Davies

Kristin Scott Thomas played Sarah Davies, an IMF agent whose brief appearance added to the film’s tension and intrigue. Known for her roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) and The English Patient (1996), Thomas remains one of the most respected British actresses.

Following Mission: Impossible, she continued to work in both film and television, appearing in projects like Darkest Hour (2017) and Slow Horses (2022).

Emilio Estevez – Jack Harmon

Emilio Estevez’s role as Jack Harmon, the hacker who meets an untimely end in the film’s opening sequence, was brief but impactful. Known for his work in The Breakfast Club (1985) and The Mighty Ducks (1992), Estevez continued to find success as both an actor and director.

His recent return to the Mighty Ducks franchise in Game Changers (2021) has reignited interest in his work.

Despite stepping back from acting, Estevez’s creative projects, including his directing ventures, have kept him in the public eye.

These stars, many of whom were already established actors, became icons in their own right after the release of Mission: Impossible. Nearly three decades later, they continue to captivate audiences and contribute to the legacy of the beloved franchise.