An exclusive interview is defined as any interview which cannot be shared with other publications due to content or time restrictions. Before undertaking an exclusive interview, it is essential to conduct sufficient research on both the topic and individual being interviewed. This can be accomplished by perusing library articles or accessing a database like Facts on File. What’s it like to work with Tom Cruise? Cruise's recent films contain an element of macho posturing that makes us believe he scales buildings, avoids chains and crashes through plates of glass with his sheer willpower and natural ability. Unfortunately, this narrative conveniently leaves out the teams of professionals working behind-the-scenes who make his stunts possible and safe. Christopher McQuarrie has been instrumental in this development, having helped put Tom Cruise back in the mainstream with 2008's Valkyrie, as well as later overseeing Jack Reacher and both parts of Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol/Fallout. Together they continue their working relationship for 2019's American Made and Dead Reckoning sequels. Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames and Thandiwe Newton return for this instalment of The Office, while Hayley Atwell joins Rebecca Ferguson and Pom Klementieff in joining their ranks. All five spoke to Variety about their experiences on set. What’s it like to work with Christopher McQuarrie? Hayley Atwell returns to Marvel as Agent Carter in 2022 movie and recalls working with director Christopher McQuarrie (Mission: Impossible films this year). McQuarrie has an affinity for placing actors into challenging situations that force them to think on their feet - something Atwell appreciates greatly. McQuarrie saw her in a play and knew immediately that "he wanted to work with me", according to her account. Soon thereafter began an intense training regimen requiring her to learn everything from martial arts to race car drifting. Dead Reckoning Part One is now playing in theaters and it should not be missed by both fans of the franchise and anyone curious to see what all the fuss is about. What’s it like to work with Simon Pegg? Over the past 20 years, Simon Pegg's work has flourished exponentially. His Cornetto Trilogy films - Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World's End - are now amongst some of the most beloved British movies of our modern era, while his Mission: Impossible franchise has seen him go from cult hero to red carpet regular status. He's co-written a series with Nick Frost, launched his own production company Stolen Picture and raised daughter Tilly all while continuing filming of IMF franchise installment 5 (slated for release later this year), and plans for an animated sitcom featuring Cookie (cockapoo) and Willow (schnauzer) are underway - showing he's back on solid footing! He's still adapting to life at home, though, and hopes that things continue to progress forward. What’s it like to work with Rebecca Ferguson? Hayley Atwell remains tight-lipped about her return as Marvel's Agent Carter in 2019, yet shared some intriguing details regarding Peggy and Isla Faust, one of its new antagonists. Atwell shared: "Like Peggy, Isla Faust has developed character despite adversity." In the new film, Ilsa is recruited to infiltrate Syndicate's alternative universe version of IMF and this leads to an intricate cat-and-mouse game between her and Ethan Hunt. Ferguson, who plays former MI6 agent Ilsa Faust in Mission: Impossible - Fallout, tells CBS that while previous films delivered action-packed adventures, this latest one goes even further in terms of emotional resonance and impact. She describes the franchise as having more depth than expected "It's so much more than you could ever expect; that's what makes it so great!" "And that's what makes it such a satisfying film experience" What’s it like to work with the IMF? Hayley Atwell remains unclear as to her character in Mission: Impossible 4, but has hinted at its importance within Ethan Hunt and shenanigans with Esai Morales' character. Atwell even hinted at potential chemistry between herself and Morales! The IMF has long played a crucial role in safeguarding global peace, safety, and economic security. This book gives a fascinating snapshot - not from journalist's tick-tock nor economist critique but rather like an anthropological account -- of what the institution stands for; from Washington DC through London London Tokyo Dublin Dublin it offers a fascinating account. Hunt's day to day work at the institution promotes global monetary cooperation and stability whilst helping countries deal with economic crises as well as aiding in alleviating poverty worldwide. What’s it like to work with Ethan Hunt? One of the most iconic scenes in the franchise is Ethan Hunt's legendary "stick of gum" scene, which showcases how much an actor can achieve with just one simple prop. As an IMF (Impossible Mission Force) field agent, John is part of an elite international intelligence organization which undertakes missions deemed impossible by other agencies. John puts family first even if this means angering his bosses; not unlike James Bond but not quite, as John works to balance orders given him with what is right in his own mind and beliefs; that makes John such an intriguing hero character that we keep coming back for more! Luckily for us all, McQuarrie is back for another round with this fifth film! What’s it like to work with the rest of the cast? Atwell's portrayal of Peggy Carter has earned her international renown; yet she considers herself part of the Mission: Impossible family. Tom Cruise stands out as an ideal professional: always searching for what will resonate with audiences. Atwell collaborates with newcomers Pom Klementieff, who plays Paris - Ethan's enemy who plots destruction - and Vanessa Kirby (White Widow). Atwell praises them all: "These amazing actors all give amazing performances!" Dead Reckoning Part One marks a dramatic advancement for the franchise with the introduction of Gabriel (Esai Morales), an AI that proves even seasoned agents can be overcome by technology. But Dead Reckoning Part One still contains many of its classic elements such as its heart-racing ticking clock. What’s it like to work with the director? Mission: Impossible is well known for balancing action scenes with intimate subplots about friendship and romance, making for an engaging watch. Dead Reckoning Part One continues this trend while adding some exciting new twists. Hayley Atwell - who plays Peggy Carter on ABC's Agent Carter - is among the new faces to join Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt in this latest movie installment of the spy franchise. In particular, Atwell teases an intriguing cat-and-mouse rivalry between herself and Ethan Hunt that could play out in future installments of this franchise. Atwell remains mum on the film's plot details; however, she did provide insight into her character and relationship with McQuarrie. She described her as mischievous and playful while alluding to an intense rivalry between herself and McQuarrie that could result in an epic "venom-fueled faceoff." Watch the video above for more! The film opens July 14, 2023. What’s it like to work with the crew? Mission: Impossible is known for blending high-stakes action filmmaking with emotional subplots about love and friendship, with the latest installment, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part Two, seeing many relationships come to a head - so NBC News interviewed cast members about how these events affected them individually as characters within this narrative arc. Pilot Victor Glover will become the first black astronaut to visit the moon in 2024 and joined us for a conversation about his training process and working alongside such an extraordinary crew. Additionally, he discusses why diversity is so essential in space exploration missions like his. Hayley Atwell makes her return as Peggy Carter for Season Two of Agent Carter (Tuesdays at 9/8c). In this second episode of Agent Carter (Tuesdays at 9/8c), Hayley Atwell assesses Peggy's new love interests while hinting at an impending battle between herself and an unexpected foe. What’s it like to work with the cast? One thing that frustrates fans of the Mission: Impossible franchise is how female characters are used and mistreated - such as Clare Phelps having to die to increase stakes, while Keri Russell's Lindsay Farris and Hayley Atwell's Grace from recent films were underwritten or misused entirely. Atwell is no stranger to playing seductive yet deadly women, having portrayed Agent Carter from two seasons of Captain America and several mobile games from Marvel. Additionally, she voiced the character for the animated What If? series which imagined an alternative universe in which Peggy Carter became a superhero. Atwell stars alongside Cruise as part of an ensemble cast including Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Cary Elwes, Indira Varma Henry Czerny Shea Whigham and Esai Morales in this movie due for release July 12. Check out its trailer here.