Sometimes there are sequences where imagine you're building a puzzle with the puzzle pieces

are faced down. You actually can't even see the picture. You're just having to look at

how do these shapes fit together? That's really what making Mission Impossible is.

I'm Sean Fennesy, Editor and Chief of the Ringer, and this is the Big Picture,

a conversation show with some of the most interesting filmmakers in the world.

Is Mission Impossible the best movie franchise we have?

I think so, especially since today's guest became involved. Starting with an uncredited rewrite

on 2011's Ghost Protocol, Christopher McQuarrie has become a constant in the MI universe.

The new installment Fallout is his ninth collaboration with Tom Cruise and it's a delightful and

genuinely thrilling Hollywood blockbuster. Chris sat down with me to talk about his journey

from young Academy Award winner for his screenplay for the usual suspects to his new role as

a franchise protector. We also discussed what he thinks of the insane stunts the cruise

some jacks himself to and how he came to peace with his role in Hollywood now. Here's Chris McQuarrie.

I'm so delighted today to be joined by Chris from McQuarrie. Chris, thank you for coming in.

Thank you for having me. Chris, you made what I would say is a kick ass Mission Impossible movie.

Thank you. And the first thing I want to know is what is the first thing you do when you sit down

to write a Mission Impossible movie because this is your second. Do not try to top the last Mission

Impossible. When I came to work on Rogue Nation, we were all living in the shadow of Ghost Protocol,

which was a towering achievement and it was one of those movies that redefined the franchise.

Or I think in the case of Ghost Protocol, it really defined the franchise. And so we decided very

early on to embrace that template, not to try to top it, not to try to outdo it, but just try

to make a movie that was worthy of the franchise. We've been talking about that template a little bit

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