Mission: Impossible - 15 Most WTF Franchise Moments

by Jack Pooley

1. Jim Phelps Is The Surprise Villain (Mission: Impossible)

Mission Impossible Jon Voight
Paramount

And finally, no matter how many times Tom Cruise damn-near dies in the service of entertainment, the series' most WTF moment goes all the way back to the original movie.

Nothing in any of the subsequent movies quite matches the controversy that surrounded the first film's big twist, that former IMF leader Jim Phelps (Jon Voight) is revealed to be a traitor and the movie's ultimate antagonist.

You see, the Ethan Hunt character didn't exist in the original 1960s TV series, and Peter Graves' Phelps was the stalwart hero. For many, recasting him and then transforming him into the villain was a slap in the face to the source material.

Fans and the original cast alike rubbished this new direction, and whether you dug it or not, you certainly can't fault how legitimately surprising the big reveal was.

What are your favourite WTF moments from the Mission: Impossible franchise to date? Shout them out in the comments!

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.