Summary:
- Renner refused to return for Mission: Impossible – Fallout because his character would be killed off cheaply.
- He is open to returning as Brandt if the role has a well-developed storyline.
- The actor acknowledges Tom Cruise as the franchise lead and is happy to support him.
Renner played IMF agent William Brandt in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” (2011) and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (2015).
During a podcast interview, Renner revealed he was approached for “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (2018). However, the offer involved a limited role with Brandt being killed off.
“I remember they tried to bring me over[seas] for a week so they could kill my character, and I was like, ‘No, you don’t get to do that. You’re not going to drag me over there and just kill my character,’ like get out of here!” Renner said. “If you’re going to do this and you’re going to use my character, you’re going to do it right.”
Renner refused, stating he wouldn’t accept a cheap exit for his character. He emphasized the importance of a proper storyline for Brandt if he were to return.
Renner jokingly admitted to yelling at director Christopher McQuarrie, refusing to be a mere plot device.
“I yelled at [director Christopher McQuarrie],” Renner added with a laugh. “Dude, you’re not going to do this to me like that; you’re not going to do me wrong.”
Despite the “Fallout” rejection, Renner expressed his continued interest in the franchise and potentially reprising the Brandt role, as long as it’s a well-developed character arc.
Renner acknowledged Tom Cruise as the core of the franchise and his right to steer its direction. He praised Cruise’s dedication and work ethic.
“I was supposed to do more with them,” Renner said of the “Mission: Impossible” cast. “I love those guys. I love Tom so much. We had so much fun, and I love that character a lot. It requires a lot of time away. It’s all in London. I had to go be a dad. It just wasn’t gonna work out then. Maybe now that my daughter is older that could happen. I’d always jump into a ‘Mission: Impossible’ anytime and back into Brandt. It’s great.”
While talks of Renner taking over the franchise were circulating at one point, the actor confirms it was always Cruise’s show. Whether Renner returns as Brandt remains to be seen, but he’s open to the possibility for a more substantial role.
