Chung Sung-Jun/Getty The cast ofMission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, in theaters May 23, gives revealing exclusive interviews in a new special issue of PEOPLE Asked about working with producer-star Tom Cruise on the franchise, Angela Bassett, Ving Rhames, Henry Czerny, Simon Pegg and Hayley Atwell give their fondest memories Many of the costars highlight Cruise's passion and enthusiasm for all things action filmmaking Tom Cruisehas been hailed as a daredevil stuntman, a giver ofcoveted coconut cakesand a filmmaker who "saved Hollywood's ass." But what is working with him on one of his action movies really like? As the actor-producer, 62, prepares to launch anotherMission: Impossibleinto cinemas with eighth installmentThe Final Reckoningon May 23, his castmates recall highlights of their time with Cruise on set for PEOPLE'snew special issue. "The most thrilling portion was being in the makeup trailer each morning and hearing Tom come to work," saysAngela Bassett, who returns to the series as Erika Sloane after first appearing in 2018's sixth movieFallout. What exactly did she hear that signaled Cruise's arrival? "The whir of the helicopter," says Bassett. "That's kind of different, so it put a smile on my face." Paramount Pictures and Skydance Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. While some stars like Bassett or Henry Czerny have worked with Cruise in a handful ofMissions — Czerny, 66, was the first actor to deliver the iconic line "Your mission, should you choose to accept it..." — others have had a front row seat to collaborating with the Oscar nominee. "Thank God for Tom Cruise,"Ving Rhames, who has appeared in all eight movies as techie Luther Stickell, tells PEOPLE. "We became good friends in a very positive relationship," Rhames, 66, adds of his longtime costar. "We have a nice chemistry with each other." "I remember that first day when I was on set and I met Tom and Ving for the first time," saysSimon Pegg, who has played field agent Benji Dunn since 2006's third installment. "I just remember how lovely they were to me, and how welcome they made me feel." Paramount Pictures and Skydance Cruise's friendship extends beyond just when they're on set, according to Pegg, 55. In addition to the famous coconut cake, the British actor has received birthday treats from theTop Gunstar. On one occasion Pegg, snowboarding in the Alps, was surprised with a cake from a nearby bakery that Cruise had called. "He managed to get them to make me this really beautiful birthday cake, which they then took up the mountain," he recalls. "That one really does take the cake, if you'll pardon the pun." "I loved the sense of fun," saysHayley Atwell, who inFinal Reckoningreturns as thief Grace after 2023'sDead Reckoning. "Levity is important. [It] builds trust... When you're making a movie of this scale, there has to be an element of fun." ManyMissioncostars note that Cruise and writer-directorChristopher McQuarrie, who has helped helm every movie since 2015'sRogue Nation, have developed an almost telepathic shorthand. "They like to work with a lot of spontaneity," recalls Atwell, 43. "I really love [it] because it keeps me on my toes." Rewrites from Cruise, McQuarrie andFinal Reckoningco-writer Erik Jendresen would often come "mid-scene," reports Czerny, who plays CIA director Eugene Kittridge. "We had a catchphrase, you know: 'These sides will self-destruct in five minutes.'" Paramount Pictures and Skydance The PEOPLE Appis now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! If there's one thing about Cruise noMissioncast member fails to mention, it's his passion. What Atwell calls an "unadulterated sense of joy and love of cinema" can't help but be infectious for the rest of the crew. Pegg recalls seeing Cruise with a "big s----eating grin on his face" hanging mid-air between takes of a vertigo-inducing sequence in 2011'sGhost Protocol. "I've said, 'You're absolutely nuts' many times to him," he quips. "But he just cares that much about it." Bassett calls Cruise "pure enthusiasm," adding that he "just wants to pull the best out of everyone, wants everyone to look great, do great and work hard. No one works harder than he does… To work with someone who cares that deeply, that profoundly, that completely, is a joy." Paramount Pictures and Skydance Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoningis in theaters May 23. For more on the franchise, including exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes photos,PEOPLE's special editionis out now. Additional reporting done by Allison Adato and Erik Forrest Jackson. Read the original article onPeople
