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Simon Pegg shares with us his thoughts on filming Mission: Impossible – Fallout

Koh Ruide Aug 5, 2018
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Our Japanese staff interviews the English actor who plays Benji Dunn in the blockbuster hit.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout, the sixth and latest installment in the Mission: Impossible spy film series, proved to be a hit with international audiences since premiering in July. The film has grossed over US$200 million worldwide, easily making it the most successful in the entire series.

The movie debuted over here in Japan on 3 August, featuring Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise working with actors Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames to foil an evil syndicate’s diabolical plans.

▼ Don’t miss the Japanese trailer here.

While the Mission: Impossible – Fallout crew were here promoting their new movie, we at SoraNews24 sent our Japanese-language crack reporter P.K. Sanjun to interview them. As luck would have it, P.K. managed to snag who he thought was the cutest actor of them all: Simon Pegg (who portrays Benji Dunn).

P.K.: Nice to meet you! It’s such an honor to sit down here with you. Actually, you have this aura of cuteness and style that I find irresistable!

Pegg: Oh, really? I’m not like that though. *laughs*

P.K.: You’re really stylish! But let’s set that aside for the moment and concentrate on the matter at hand. You’ve starred in many film series that wouldn’t be the same without you. How is Mission: Impossible different from others?

Pegg: Let me put it this way. The Mission: Impossible series is meant for an older audience, quite unlike say, Star Trek, which is watched by people of all ages. I always keep my audiences in mind when performing.

▼ Pegg’s performance brings light humor to the movie.

P.K.: I see! This is the fourth time we’re seeing Benji Dunn, so what should we expect to see from him?

Pegg: I’ve never played a single character for so long, but I really dig the role. Nonetheless, it’s extremely important that a character evolves as the story unfolds, and it’s crucial for them to stay true to themselves.

P.K.: Do tell.

Pegg: For example, I told Tom and the director during filming that I wanted to polish up all the combat scenes. If it’s the same old Benji, he’ll be defeated in an instant or has to have someone come to help him at some point. You might not notice, but he slowly grows as a character and toughens up.

P.K.: That’s quite true.

Pegg: He started off specializing in computers, but began dealing with heavy machinery, and even jumping into water in this movie. He may be a scatterbrain, but Benji’s definitely a competent agent. *cackles*

P.K.: Wow, that’s really professional. By the way, are there any things you always keep in mind when acting in movies?

Pegg: I always want to leave a lasting impression in my roles. Call it an “effect”, if you will. I think it’s wonderful if I can get my audience to believe that I’m the best choice for the character, even if it means angering them.

▼ Pegg always puts his viewers before himself.

P.K.: I see.

Pegg: And also having fun. I think it’s important to enjoy the process of making great works. That’s something money can’t buy.

P.K.: What a wonderful insight. Now for the next question: women around the world find you charming, but did you foresee this at all?

Pegg: Well of course! But I’m kidding. I’m not sure what to say, but it sure is an honor to be regarded as so. I think people can easily relate to Benji and his frankness.

P.K.: I agree.

Pegg: He’s got a kind of “realness” to him that people find dependable. Oh, I really want to hear those women’s opinions. *laughs*

P.K.: It’s true that Benji has a relatable personality. Forgive me for this sudden change in topic, but you’re well-known as a big Star Wars fan. (Pegg has been a huge Star Wars fan since his early years, portraying Unkar Plutt — the junkboss on Rey’s desert planet Jakku — in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.) Can you tell me who’s your favorite Star Wars character?

Pegg: That would have to be Chewbacca. We didn’t have a dog in my family, and so Chewbacca was the closest thing to a huge canine. That hasn’t changed at all.

▼ Chewbacca for a pet?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Star Wars (@starwars)

P.K.: He is kind of like a big canine, isn’t he?

Pegg: Pity it didn’t make it into the final cut of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but there was actually a scene where I played alongside Chewbacca. The notion that I was standing next to a man dressed in a suit of fur never crossed my mind. After all, Chewbacca is Chewbacca.

P.K.: I totally understand what you mean. I thought I was talking to a Jedi when I interviewed Mark Hamill too.

Pegg: Right? I spent time with Chewbacca and even got to hug the big guy! I’ve achieved one of my dreams.

P.K.: You’re really cute! I now have clearer picture of why you’re so popular. Thank you for your time!

And with that, P.K. bid farewell to the charming English actor and added another entry to his growing list of celebrity interviews.

▼ But not before he snuck in a quick selfie with the English gentleman.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by P.K.サンジュン (@p.k.sanjun)

From reluctant technician to competent field agent, both Pegg and his character Benji Dunn have come a long way since their 2006 debut in Mission: Impossible III. And since the series isn’t showing any signs of slowing down, perhaps we might get to see a reunion between Pegg and P.K. again some day.