Light The Fuse - The Official Mission: Impossible Podcast - podcast cover

Light The Fuse - The Official Mission: Impossible Podcast

Paramount Pictures
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, starts now! Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking to join the mission, Light the Fuse is your ultimate companion to the “Mission: Impossible” movie franchise. Through exclusive interviews with cast and crew, Superfans Charles Hood (writer/director) and Drew Taylor (film journalist) take you inside the world of Ethan Hunt for an incredible look at the iconic characters, heart-stopping missions, jaw-dropping stunts, and behind-the-scenes secrets that have made this series a global phenomenon. Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible
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Episodes

Christopher McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen Dive Deep on "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning"

We’re going deep on “Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning,” like traveling-to-the-Sevastopol deep, with writer/director Christopher McQuarrie and writer Erik Jendresen. Learn how they changed course on the eighth “Mission: Impossible” installment, what it was like putting the film together and where they go from here. Every choice, every mission, has all led to this. #MissionImpossible – The Final Reckoning. May 23, 2025. Get tickets now! https://www.missionimpossible.com/https://www.missio...

Jun 13, 20251 hr 16 min

The Cast of "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" (Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Greg Tarzan Davis and Angela Bassett)

With “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” in theaters now, we sat down with the stars of the film – Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Greg Tarzan Davis and Angela Bassett – to talk about what it was like bringing the entire saga full circle. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to love this cast as much as we do. Every choice, every mission, has all led to this. #MissionImpossible – The Final Reckoning. May 23, 2025. Get tickets now! https://www.missionimpossible.com...

May 30, 202549 min

Tom Cruise & Christopher McQuarrie Talk “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”

Of course we’re back! And this week we’re talking with Tom Cruise and writer/director Christopher McQuarrie about “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (in theaters now). Go inside the new movie with the people responsible. Don’t worry, we won’t get into spoilers. And just remember – pressure is a privilege! Every choice, every mission, has all led to this. #MissionImpossible – The Final Reckoning. May 23, 2025. Get tickets now! https://www.missionimpossible.com/ Watch #MissionImpossible 1...

May 23, 202536 min

"Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" New Trailer Reaction + CinemaCon Surprises

We’re back with a special episode, live and direct from Las Vegas! We break down the new “Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning” trailer and discuss Tom Cruise giving Christopher McQuarrie the CinemaCon Director of the Year Award! Come with us, won’t you? Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 05, 202534 min

The Making of "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning"

With “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning,” the series went above and beyond, featuring one of Tom Cruise’s most death-defying stunts and a climactic train chase for the ages. Learn how they pulled it off from the cast (including Tom Cruise) and crew of this amazing installment. Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 04, 20251 hr 55 min

The Making of "Mission: Impossible - Fallout"

“Mission: Impossible - Fallout” took the world by storm, and we’re taking an epic look at how the movie came together – every skydiving, bike-riding, helicopter-flying minute of it. Featuring writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, Tom Cruise, editor Eddie Hamilton and many more. Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 28, 20251 hr 56 min

The Making of "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" (Part Two)

We’re back with the second half of our truly epic look inside the making of “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.” In this installment, you’ll hear from writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, Tom Cruise, cinematographer Robert Elswit and many more. Whatever your favorite part of the movie is, we’re breaking it down. Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 21, 20251 hr 28 min

The Making of "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" (Part One)

Ever wanted to know what went into the making of “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation?” Well, we’re here to tell the complete story of how the movie came together, with commentary from writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, Tom Cruise, editor Eddie Hamilton and many, many more. And stay tuned for Part 2! Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20, 20251 hr 23 min

The Making of "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol" (Part Two)

We are concluding our epic look at the making of “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.” Get ready for some edge-of-your-seat thrills as Brad Bird, Tom Cruise, Paul Hirsch and many more break down the production – and beyond. Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 14, 20251 hr 49 min

The Making of "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol" (Part One)

“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” is an epic, and we’re dedicating two whole episodes to its insane making-of. In this first episode, we’ll cover the paths not taken, Brad Bird’s involvement, and more – with insights from Brad Bird, writers Josh Appelbaum and André Nemec, Tom Cruise, editor Paul Hirsch, and many others! Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 20252 hr 12 min

The Making of "Mission: Impossible III"

Your next mission begins … now! We chart the making of "Mission: Impossible III," from its rocky beginnings to the movie we know and love so well! With commentary from producer Paula Wagner, stars Simon Pegg and Maggie Q, composer Michael Giacchino, and many more. Choose to accept it! Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 07, 20252 hr

The Making of "Mission: Impossible II"

We’re back with a high-kicking look at “Mission: Impossible II” – learn how the sequel went from techno-thriller to Hong Kong-indebted action classic, with commentary from Tom Cruise, John Woo, Christopher McQuarrie and many, many more! Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 28, 20251 hr 47 min

The Making of "Mission: Impossible" (1996)

In the lead-up to the release of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (in theaters May 23), we’re doing deep-dive, making-of episodes on each installment of the franchise. This week, we’re taking a look at how Brian De Palma’s “Mission: Impossible” came together, with interviews from Brian De Palma, Tom Cruise, writer David Koepp, editor Paul Hirsch and more. It’s like a documentary for your ears. Listen up! Buy or rent on digital now. https://paramnt.us/MissionImpossible Learn more about...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 30 min

"Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" Teaser Trailer Breakdown

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

Nov 11, 202436 min

Revisiting Our 200th Episode Spectacular (Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, Nick Offerman, Glen Powell, Greg Tarzan Davis)

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 02, 20242 hr 22 min

Revisiting Eddie Hamilton on "Top Gun: Maverick"

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 relea...

Jun 25, 20241 hr 25 min

Revisiting Joseph Kosinski (Director of "Top Gun: Maverick")

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 18, 202432 min

Rocking Out with Richard Linklater

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 11, 20241 hr 10 min

Getting Scary with Sean S. Cunningham, Director of “Friday the 13th”

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

Jun 04, 20241 hr 1 min

Revisiting Christopher McQuarrie on "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation" and "Mission: Impossible – Fallout”

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:...

May 31, 20241 hr 18 min

This Episode is a Secret "10 Cloverfield Lane" Sequel with Dan Trachtenberg (Part Two)

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

May 28, 202445 min

Trapped in a Bunker with "10 Cloverfield Lane" Director Dan Trachtenberg (Part One)

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

May 21, 202436 min

Revisiting Robert Elswit, Cinematographer for “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation”

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 releas...

May 17, 20241 hr 42 min

Back to “Nebraska” with Alexander Payne (Part Two)

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

May 14, 202439 min

“Election” Results with Alexander Payne (Part One)

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

May 07, 202439 min

Revisiting Michael Giacchino, Composer of “Mission: Impossible III” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol"

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...

May 03, 20241 hr 11 min

Randomized Ending with "Clue" Director Jonathan Lynn (Part Two)

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

Apr 30, 202440 min

Clued In with "Clue" Director Jonathan Lynn (Part One)

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

Apr 23, 202439 min

Revisiting John Knoll, Visual Effects Supervisor for “Mission: Impossible” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”

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....

Apr 19, 20241 hr 19 min

Howard Deutch is "Some Kind of Wonderful" (Part Two)

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

Apr 16, 202442 min
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