Mission Impossible 3 was initially setting
down the same bumpy Paramount rode that ended up giving Watchmen
the axe. Just like Watchmen, MI:3 had some serious budget
issues [set at somewhere near $150 million] that made Paramount a little
more than uncomfortable. Due to repeated delays, people were beginning to
wonder if this film was ever going to get the greenlight.
MI:3 Greenlight
I guess removing the Watchmen budget from
the papers helped Paramount to relax a bit about a Mission Impossible
sequel. However, Paramount decided that they were not willing to move forward
with the budget rules laid out for the next sequel. According to Variety,
Paramount forced the MI:3 crew to drop certain shooting locations
and do some major budget trimming.
Another big issue was Tom Cruise himself, who was asking for a 30% take
on the gross of MI:3. First off, wow, that would mean a whole crapload
of money for Cruise at the box office. Obviously, Paramount was over this
request and asked him to lower that rate as well.
Personally, I couldn't be happier for another Mission
Impossible. While a lot of fans complained about MI:2, they
do have to do admit that the film was two hours of straight entertainment.
I know that there were some awkward scenes such as the slow motion shots
placed on Tom Cruise's face and flowing hair, but they were pretty easy
to let go with a laugh.
The release date set for MI:3 is May 5, 2006. The shooting will
now begin in the middle of July this year.
Mission Impossible 2
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