10 Unbelievable Mission Impossible Facts

Up until the release of Mission Impossible: Fallout, the franchise was notable for its revolving door of directors, with each director bringing in their style to their respective installment. As is the case with such a set-up, a considerable number of directors have been considered to helm the films over the years.

One notable name that was touted to direct the series' third installment was David Fincher. This was a surprising choice given his prior negative experience helming a franchise installment with the Alien film series. His enthusiasm to direct MI:III was even more unexpected due to his filmmaking sensibilities not necessarily lending themselves to an action-heavy franchise.

However, his technical skill and visual style impressed series leading man Tom Cruise to such a great degree, and talks began to secure Fincher the directorial seat. However, his commitment to the 2005 film The Lords of Dogtown and the classic ''creative differences'' reason saw Fincher exit the director's chair and was replaced by newbie (at the time) filmmaker, J.J. Abrams.

His effort fit the producers' darker and grittier vision for the third installment but one wonders what the film (and franchise) would have looked like if Fincher was allowed to have his way with the film's direction.