The world of action cinema is often perceived as meticulously planned, but for Rebecca Ferguson, working alongside Tom Cruise on the Mission: Impossible series was anything but. The acclaimed actress, known for her roles in Dune and the Mission: Impossible franchise, recently opened up about the unpredictable nature of filming with the Hollywood icon, describing him as a “man-child in a good way.”

Ferguson’s candid remarks, shared in a recent interview with The Times, paint a picture of a production process characterized by spontaneity and constant change. “You don’t have scripts and have no idea where it’s going to go,” she explained, highlighting the improvisational element that defines Cruise’s approach to filmmaking. This lack of rigid structure, while thrilling, also presented unique challenges.

Ferguson recounted instances where meticulously planned stunt sequences were abruptly scrapped, leaving the cast and crew to adapt on the fly. “You train for a stunt scene for months and all of a sudden they cut it,” she said, illustrating the dynamic and often frustrating reality of working on a Tom Cruise production. Despite these hurdles, she emphasized Cruise’s infectious energy and unwavering enthusiasm, which kept the atmosphere lively and engaging.

“He’s a man-child in a good way,” Ferguson elaborated, jokingly suggesting that someone should always be on hand with a “tranquilliser gun and a net” to manage his boundless energy. She shared a humorous anecdote about a typical on-set scenario: “It’s frustrating because you’re ready to shoot and the sun’s going down. Tom goes: ‘What are we waiting for?’ and I go: ‘You!’ And he laughs and goes, ‘F***, I’m sorry.’”

Ferguson joined the Mission: Impossible universe in 2015 with Rogue Nation, quickly establishing her character, Ilsa Faust, as a fan favorite. Her portrayal of the formidable MI6 agent brought a new dynamic to the franchise, and her on-screen chemistry with Cruise was undeniable. However, Dead Reckoning Part One marked a turning point, with Ilsa Faust meeting a dramatic end – a decision Ferguson supported, believing her character’s arc had reached a natural conclusion.

“There was nothing more to do with Ilsa,” she stated, acknowledging that it felt like the right time to move on. Since departing the Mission: Impossible series, Ferguson has been actively pursuing new projects, including a collaboration with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight on the film The Immortal Man. This connection led to an intriguing revelation: Knight was also tapped to write the next installment in the James Bond franchise.

And with that opportunity in mind, Ferguson has a clear vision for her future on the big screen. “I would have been pushing to play the baddie,” she confessed, noting the lack of compelling female villains in the Bond universe. She’s already playfully pitched the idea to Dune director Denis Villeneuve, who is set to helm the next Bond film, declaring, “I already said that to Denis – ‘Female Bond villain, b****!’” He responded with a knowing, “Oh la la.”

While a fan of the Bond franchise, Ferguson acknowledges its historical shortcomings in portraying complex female characters. “I love the Bonds, most of them,” she said, “but I often found that they weren’t very good at writing for women.” However, she remains optimistic about the future under Knight’s direction, praising his ability to create nuanced and compelling female roles, citing his work with Angelina Jolie as evidence. What qualities do you think make a truly memorable Bond villain?

From the exhilarating chaos of filming with Tom Cruise to her ambitious pursuit of a villainous role in the James Bond universe, Rebecca Ferguson continues to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility. Her journey exemplifies the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry and the enduring appeal of strong, complex characters. Do you think Ferguson would make a compelling Bond villain, and what kind of character would you like to see her portray?