Mission: Impossible II, or M:I-2 as it is also known, is the 2000 John Woo-directed sequel to Brian De Palma's 1996 Mission: Impossible motion picture, based on the TV series of the same name.
M:I-2 sees IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) teaming up with former partner Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), professional thief Nyah Nordoff-Hall (Thandie Newton) and helicopter pilot Billy Baird (John Polson) in order to thwart the plans of former IMF agent Sean Ambrose (Dougray Scott). The film also stars Brendan Gleeson, Richard Roxburgh and Anthony Hopkins in an uncredited role as Hunt's overseer Swanbeck.
The film combined James Bond-style espionage action (in contrast to the last film and TV series) with John Woo's visual flair, including his trademark slow-motion, double fisted pistol shootouts and white doves appearing before combat. However, the limiting PG-13 rating applied to the film meant that the final picture was considerably toned down in violence from his past works.
Production of the film was troubled and was shut down for several weeks as the script was re-worked. As a result both Dougray Scott and Thandie Newton lost the chance to appear in starring roles in other films.
The film was a financial hit and grossed close to $220 million in its domestic American release. A third film entered pre-production in 2004, with Alias creator J.J. Abrams named as writer and director. Filming is scheduled to begin in June 2005.
