Bruce Straley, one of the pivotal figures behind the 2009 PlayStation 3 sensation,Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, recently accused the latestMission: Impossiblemovie,Dead Reckoning Part One, of imitating a significant action sequence from the game.
Straley’s remarks have stirred up a lively discussion, blurring the lines between cinematic inspiration and outright replication. TheMission: Impossiblefranchise, led by veteran actorTom Cruise, has received widespread recognition for its high-stakes, adrenaline-infused adventures. The latest installment is no exception, with audiences and critics alike lavishing praise on the new film.
One of the standout set pieces in this chapter is a dramatic motorcycle cliff jump performed by Cruise himself, a stunt which underlines the film’s commitment to breathtaking, high-octane action sequences. Another such sequence is a harrowing climb up a dangling train car - a stunt that may feel uncannily familiar to those who are acquainted with the Uncharted gaming series.
Taking to Twitter, Straley suggested that the film borrowed heavily from the acclaimedUncharted 2game’s famous dangling train scene. This declaration came alongside a comparison of images depicting both Ethan Hunt (Cruise’s character inMission: Impossible) and Nathan Drake (the protagonist inUncharted) in eerily similar predicaments, hanging precariously from a dangling train car.
Straley concluded his post with the comment, “the sincerest form of flattery,” skillfully referencing the time-honored saying, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” His comments hint at the uncanny resemblance between the dramatic train scenes in the film and the game.
This is not the first time thatMission: Impossiblehas sailed into the waters ofUnchartedfor inspiration. Christopher McQuarrie, who helmed the directorial reins for the last trio ofMission: Impossiblefilms, has previously voiced his fondness for theUnchartedfranchise. He went as far as attributing the daring plane sequence in 2015’sMission: Impossible - Rogue Nationto the inspiration he derived fromUncharted 3. This acknowledgment was met with appreciation by Justin Richmond, the co-director ofUncharted 3.
RELATED:Mission: Impossible: Why This Is the Craziest Stunt Tom Cruise Has Ever Done
The Irony of Inspiration between Blockbuster Cinema and Uncharted
It’s quite ironic thatUncharted, famed for deriving inspiration from major blockbuster films, now finds itself engaged in an amusing exchange of influences with theMission: Impossiblemovie series. The fact thatMission: Impossibleseems to reciprocate this trend by incorporating elements from Uncharted is quite a delightful twist for fans of both franchises.
While it remains ambiguous if the parallels between the train scene inMission: Impossible 7and the memorable sequence inUncharted 2are serendipitous or intentional, the striking likeness between the two is indisputable.
The sequence in question had earned its iconic status followingUncharted 2’s release, making it a noteworthy source of inspiration for theMission: Impossible 7team while crafting their film.
This episode adds another layer of intrigue as rumors circulate about an upcomingUncharted 2film featuring Tom Holland. It would indeed be a fascinating prospect if the movie chooses to replicate the infamous train scene yet again, offering a fresh take on the beloved game’s story.
For now, audiences can relish the thrills ofMission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1in theaters, or reacquaint themselves withUncharted 2through theUncharted: Nathan Drake Collectionon PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
