Despite appearing in the goofiest Mission Impossible film he seems to have been the only reliable/trustworthy mission commander Ethan Hunt ever had.
shareI agree and have wondered the same thing many times.
shareSometimes I forget that he was ever in a Mission Impossible film.
There doesn’t seem to be any info about this. Either they didn’t directly ask him back or, in true Hopkins fashion, he declined to return to the franchise for whatever reason; maybe he felt like it was beneath him?
I wouldn’t be surprised if the MI crew wanted to make audiences forget that II ever existed, even if that meant ignoring a character played by a prestigious actor like Hopkins. I have always wondered why he didn’t make another appearance, although I can’t say that his loyal character has been missed (it’d be funny but cool if he returned tho).
I don't think he felt it was beneath him. It was revealed around the time that he was in that movie that his favorite film genre was action. And since then, he's done Transformers 5.
As for wanting to make audiences forget MI2 ever existed...that can't be the reason either. Thandie Newton was originally tapped to play Ethan's fiance in MI3, reprising her role from the 2nd film. The only reason this did not happen is that she had to decline due to scheduling conflicts.
I think what it likely boils down to is:
a.) He would have been more costly (salary wise) if he returned in a capacity larger than a cameo.
b.) They just never thought to ask.
c.) both
But if they do another one sooner rather than later, they should bring him back.
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