Summary
ActressRebecca Fergusonhas been on a hot streak in recent years, in no small part thanks to her success in theMission: Impossiblefranchise – yet, despite her breakout role nine years ago, we’re still waiting to see her lead a franchise of her own.Ferguson has proven her credentials as a science fiction star, but so farthere’s been little sign of a Ferguson-led action film. With a lack of solid female-led action films over the years, Ferguson could easily follow a similar route as Charlize Theron to become a staple of the genre – finally capitalizing on her previous $682 million success.
The most recent movie in the franchise, 2023’sMission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, pulled in over $567 million worldwide and received rave reviews, with fans lauding the character of Ilsa Faust, portrayed by Ferguson. With its release on streaming,Dead Reckoningeven spent some time in Netflix’s top 10, proving thatwhile considered an underperformer at the box office, the film still has legs.Dead Reckoningwas just the latest movie to feature Ferguson as Ilsa Faust, further cementing her action pedigree. And yet, despite her obvious potential in the genre, she still hasn’t built on her breakout role in a solo capacity.
Rebecca Ferguson’s 10 Best Movies & TV Shows, Ranked
Rebecca Ferguson has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most prominent lead actors in action and sci-fi franchises. Here are her 10 best TV & film roles.
Rebecca Ferguson Never Received A Starring Action Movie Role After Mission: Impossible Debut
Her Fantastic Performance Hasn’t Translated Into A Starring Role
Ferguson has played a supporting role in three different films in theMission Impossiblefranchise, with 2015’sRogue Nationrepresenting her impressive debut. Her acting in each has been phenomenal, butRogue Nationwas the movie in which she really burst onto the scene – proving more than a match for Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and warranting regular appearances throughout the series. It’s testament to her popularity that, in the aftermath of her shockingDead Reckoningdeath, many fans are calling forFerguson to return to theMission Impossiblefranchise.
Strangely, however, this success hasn’t translated into more action roles for the star. At least not in a leading role. SinceDead Reckoning’srelease,Ferguson has largely stayed away from the action genre. Even after herGhost Protocolsuccess, Ferguson didn’t appear in another action franchise, nor get her own standalone project. She has reportedly signed on to the filmBest Served Cold, which promises to be an even further departure by returning the actor to the Fantasy genre. While these roles are thrilling and often action-packed, they’re a very different kind of film than something squarely in action likeMission Impossible.
Rebecca Ferguson Secretly Replaced Action Movies
She’s Become A Big Name In Science Fiction
Ferguson hasn’t been idle since the release ofDead Reckoning, either. WhileDune 2made a splash with audiences worldwide, the actor has also made waves in the lead role inApple TV+’s science fiction seriesSilo. Based on the books of Hugh Howie,Silohas been well-received by criticswith Ferguson’s acting called out as one of the highlights. With a second season on the way, the potential forDune 3in the future, and her upcoming science fiction filmMercywhere she’ll star opposite Chris Pratt, Ferguson is becoming firmly entrenched in the sci-fi genre.
With her most stand-out performances in recent years being such big-name projects asDuneandSilo, however, it’s no surprise that those are the first on people’s lips when talking about the actor.
Even her resume beforeDead Reckoningpoints to the rise of this trend. While not every sci-fi film the actor has featured in has been the greatest,Lifehad its shining moments; a far cry from the less-than-stellarMen In Black: International, possibly one of her worst films to date. With her most stand-out performances in recent years being such big-name projects asDuneandSilo, however,it’s no surprise that those are the first on people’s lips when talking about the actor.
Rebecca Ferguson’s Action Movie Return Can Happen After Mission: Impossible Death
Without Mission Impossible, She’s Free To Do Other Things
Ilsa Faust’s death inDead Reckoningwas shocking, but it’s unsurprising.Given Ferguson’s comments about filmingMission Impossible 7, the character’s exit was inevitable asthe franchise became bloated by an increasingly star-studded cast. No single character outside of Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt can shine beyond a few spare moments, making it difficult to feel like that kind of role is worthwhile. And as Ferguson’s star power rises and more leading opportunities are presented to her, it’s clear that she’s made the right choice in moving on.
The right kind of action film could be the perfect vehicle for a talented actor of her caliber. WhileFerguson has the chops to replace Cruiseat the head of theMission Impossiblefranchise once the actor decides to step away, she’d be better served by finding an action vehicle where she could stand on her own well outside of Cruise’s shadow. There’s no sign of a movie like that on the horizon,but Hollywood is sleeping on Rebecca Ferguson in action roles.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
Cast
In Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt and his IMF team face a perilous mission to secure a powerful new weapon that could jeopardize humanity. With familiar adversaries resurfacing, Ethan must navigate global challenges, risking personal bonds to fulfill his mission’s crucial objectives.
