Mission: Impossible: The Rise of Ethan…

Watching the Mission: Impossible films in sequence reveals a distinct storyline. Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is portrayed as a dedicated and noble undercover operative who faces betrayal from both his government and an insider. His trusted team is annihilated, and he narrowly escapes becoming a scapegoat. Disillusioned by these events, he goes off the grid, taking on perilous missions to protect his country and the world while vowing to avoid reliance on governmental structures and shunning personal ties to prevent further losses. While he adeptly accomplishes his missions, he continuously grapples with emotional attachments, leading to more heartbreak. In an effort to prevent his loved ones from facing danger, he increasingly places himself in harm’s way.

However, another, less obvious narrative exists: one centered around a man with an exceptionally strong grip.

The latest film in the series, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, features a much-publicized sequence where Ethan dangles from two different biplanes as they perform complex aerial maneuvers, clinging desperately to their landing gear and wings while his body swings in freefall.

In keeping with movie marketing standards, this scene is promoted as Cruise’s grandest and most exhilarating stunt to date—yet it bears a striking resemblance to a moment from Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation, where Ethan climbs onto the side of an Airbus A400M as it taxis down a runway, only to hold onto it as it takes off.