Mission Impossible: Luther's Death Fulfilled Original Plan
The impact of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning is heightened by the death of Luther Stickell, a plot point that surprisingly fulfills a plan conceived 29 years ago. This decision adds depth and emotional weight to the franchise, highlighting the importance of its characters.
Throughout the series, characters like William Brandt, Benji Dunn, and Ilsa Faust have played crucial roles. However, Luther's consistent presence and importance within the team made his loss in The Final Reckoning particularly poignant.
Ving Rhames' portrayal of Luther has been a constant since the first film, making his character's demise a significant event. In a gripping scene, Luther sacrifices himself while disarming a nuclear bomb, a moment that forces Ethan Hunt to confront the harsh reality that he cannot save everyone.
The Original Plan for Luther's Character in Mission Impossible
Originally, the script for the first Mission Impossible film in 1996 included Luther's death in the opening sequence. He was intended to be part of Ethan's team from the start, perishing during the disastrous mission in Prague.
This opening sequence, known for its intensity, would have seen nearly all of Ethan's team killed, including Luther. Changing this plan significantly altered the course of the franchise.
Rhames himself addressed the initial plan, explaining that he raised concerns about the optics of killing off the only Black character so early in the film. This feedback led to a major rewrite of the script.
“I said that kind of jokingly, but it was the truth in many films. As a matter of fact, saying it nicely, [in] all these action movies, you are fortunate if there is one African-American or one woman. You know what I'm saying? So then they changed the script, and I lived."
How Changing Luther's Fate Impacted Mission Impossible
Luther's eventual death in The Final Reckoning carries far more weight because audiences have had nearly three decades to connect with the character. His loss is one of the most impactful scenes in the film.
The Mission Impossible franchise thrives on the concept of mortality and the high stakes faced by its characters. Luther's death underscores the dangers inherent in the IMF's work and the potential for even the most experienced agents to be lost.
While other characters have died throughout the series, including Ilsa in Dead Reckoning, Luther's death resonates more deeply due to his long-standing presence and integral role in Ethan Hunt's journey.
Did allowing Luther to live and grow throughout the franchise ultimately amplify the impact of his death? Absolutely. The decision to keep him alive in the initial film allowed for a richer, more meaningful farewell.
A More Meaningful Death for Luther
Had Luther died in the opening of the original Mission Impossible, his death would have been just one of many in a chaotic sequence. Audiences would not have had the opportunity to truly appreciate his character.
While the deaths of other team members in that opening scene were tragic, they lacked the individual that Luther's death in The Final Reckoning was afforded. This allowed for a more emotionally resonant scene.
By allowing Luther to grow and develop over the course of the franchise, the writers were able to craft a genuinely poignant and impactful death scene, highlighting the cost of Ethan Hunt's dedication to his mission. The long-term character development made his sacrifice all the more meaningful.
In conclusion, the decision to delay Luther's death until Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning was a masterstroke, transforming what could have been a minor casualty into a powerful and unforgettable moment in the franchise's history. The character's journey made his ultimate sacrifice a defining event.