Mission: Impossible's Secret Weapon Is Luther Stickell

When it comes to the Mission: Impossible franchise, Tom Cruise is undoubtedly the face of the operation – or so it seems. The blockbuster action spy series has been thrilling audiences for decades, with Ethan Hunt (Cruise) consistently saving the world from terrorist threats and other nefarious villains. However, there's another character who has been quietly carrying out crucial missions alongside Ethan, providing a stabilizing presence and clever hacking skills that have become an integral part of the franchise's success. Enter Luther Stickell, played by Ving Rhames.

Luther Stickell first appeared in the original Mission: Impossible movie as a genius computer hacker known for his "phone phreaker" skills and his reputation for being "disavowed" by the IMF (Impossible Missions Force) due to his actions. He helps Ethan Hunt on his mission to regain his reinstatement, serving as an invaluable partner and guide throughout various missions. Luther's expertise in hacking allows him to unlock doors, shut down security systems, or gain access to secret information, often providing a crucial edge for Ethan in the field.

Despite being a skilled operative, Luther is more than just a tech-savvy sidekick. He's also a loyal friend with a cool demeanor, slick style, and a big heart. Throughout the franchise, Luther consistently demonstrates his dedication to Ethan Hunt, serving as a trusted confidant and friend who has got his back no matter what. In fact, in both the fictional movie universe and the real-life world of the Mission: Impossible franchise, Luther's presence is felt deeply – but often underappreciated.

One could argue that Cruise's Ethan Hunt is the true star of the show, with each film revolving around his struggles, defeats, and wins. However, without Luther Stickell, Ethan's success would be far from guaranteed. In fact, it's likely that Ethan would have failed many of his missions or even perished if it weren't for Luther's expertise and support.

Case in point: Luther Stickell makes a surprise appearance at the very end of Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, poking fun at Ethan's cheesy one-liner while sharing a beer with his buddy. This moment showcases just how integral Luther is to the franchise – even if he doesn't always be front and center.

In Fallout, after the events of Mission: Impossible 3, it's revealed that Hunt leaves his wife for her own safety, leaving a void in Ethan's life. However, Luther steps up as a mentor, teaching her how to be a spy, hide from danger, and protect herself. This moment highlights just how much Luther cares about those around him and will do whatever it takes to support his friends.

Interestingly, Ving Rhames revealed in an interview with ScreenRant that he initially was set to die early on in the first film due to a script change. Rhames pointed out to star Tom Cruise that this plot point was problematic and unfair to him as the black man being killed off so early. Thanks to Cruise's intervention, Luther Stickell survived the first film, paving the way for his enduring presence throughout the franchise.

Today, Luther Stickell is an integral part of the Mission: Impossible franchise, providing crucial support to Ethan Hunt and adding depth to the series. He may not always be the center of attention, but his contributions are undeniable – making him the true secret weapon behind this beloved action spy franchise.