We are thrilled this week on Light the Wick to be joined by Luca Mosca, costume designer and actor. Mosca not only comes up with the killer style Keanu Reeves wears, but he also plays the tailor in “John Wick: Chapter 2.” Talk about range! Mosca talks about the evolution of Ian McShane’s character, dressing Laurence Fishburne’s hobo army, and mentions a deleted scene from the third film that had Halle Berry’s character in New York City. This bespoke episode is a good fit for sure.

146. Luca Mosca Interview (Costume Designer for 'John Wick,' 'John Wick: Chapter 2,' and 'John Wick: Chapter 3')

We are back, talking to legendary editor (and recent author) Paul Hirsch again. Paul edited the first “Mission: Impossible” movie along with ‘Ghost Protocol,’ and in this episode he shares his thoughts on some recent Oscar-season movies, reveals an unused chapter from his book (read by Paul himself) and tells a funny story about Stanley Kubrick.

150. Return of Paul Hirsch, Part 1 (Editor of 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Ghost Protocol')

In the second part of our latest chat with Paul Hirsch, “Mission: Impossible” editor and author of “In a Cutting Room Far, Far Away,” we get funny stories about Danny Elfman’s stuffed cat, how he nearly worked on “Taxi Driver” with Brian De Palma, and how Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books influenced the opening of ‘Ghost Protocol’ (amongst other chestnuts).

151. Return of Paul Hirsch, Part 2 (Editor of 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Ghost Protocol')

In the final installment of our latest chat with Paul Hirsch, editor of “Mission: Impossible” and author of “In a Cutting Room Far, Far Away,” we talk more about his work with Brian De Palma, how Steve Martin would just park illegally since he could afford the ticket, and how his job as a “movie doctor” on “Exorcist III” was true hell. Also, get details on an unproduced (and never discussed) John Hughes project.

152. Return of Paul Hirsch, Part 3 (Editor of 'Mission: Impossible' and 'Ghost Protocol')

This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for – we interview living legend and the filmmaker behind the first “Mission: Impossible” film, Brian De Palma. We are joined in the conversation with Susan Lehman, De Palma’s co-author for his debut novel “Are Snakes Necessary?” In this installment we discuss the foundation of the book, where the title came from, and get into some “Mission: Impossible” talk, including the crucial feedback George Lucas provided. Buckle up, this was worth the wait.

158. Brian De Palma and Susan Lehman Interview, Part 1

This week we are thrilled to be joined by Craig O’Brien, the skydiving camera operator for the HALO jump from “Mission: Impossible - Fallout.” Learn everything about the unforgettable sequence, to the type of camera rig Craig had to wear, to how badly Henry Cavill wanted to do the jump, to just how committed Tom Cruise was to getting the sequence right. Also, we get Craig to rank the “Mission: Impossible” movies and to talk about his work on “Iron Man 3,” “Godzilla,” and “Kingsman.”

166. Craig O'Brien Interview (Skydiving Camera Operator for 'Mission: Impossible - Fallout')

This week we reach the centerpiece of our ongoing “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” celebration, as we chat with screenwriters and co-producers Josh Applebaum and André Nemec. In this episode we talk about the genesis for the project, discuss how Tom Cruise astutely nixed the Harrison Ford casting, and confirm that the record store opening of “Rogue Nation” was actually conceived for “Ghost Protocol.” And, of course, we get new details about the abandoned snowmobile sequence.

182. Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec, Part 1 (Screenwriters of 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol')

We’re back with the second part of our wide-ranging conversation with “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” writers and co-producers Josh Applebaum and André Nemec. In this episode we get new details about Vanessa Redgrave’s would-be return and how much she would have appeared in the movie, the original MacGuffin of “The File,” an abandoned Benji mask gag, and the subtle evolution of Tom Cruise’s character. Also, we get their hair and movie rankings!

183. Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec, Part 2 (Screenwriters of 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol')

While this is technically another episode of Light the Fuselage, we do veer into Light the Fuse material as we talk to “Top Gun: Maverick” score producer/composer Lorne Balfe, who is also composing the score for “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” We talk a lot about the music for the “M:I-7” trailer, whether or not the music from “Fallout” carries over and what the chorus is singing in the trailer music.

Light the Fuselage: Lorne Balfe, Part 2 (Score Producer for 'Top Gun: Maverick')

We’re back, baby! It’s time for a new episode of Light the Fuse and this time we’re talking to perhaps the most important guest ever, Kerry Warn, the chief hair stylist for “Mission: Impossible 2.” Yes, this is the man behind the longest, wildest haired Ethan! Warn talks about how it was his suggestion to John Woo to leave Tom Cruise’s hair longer, what it was like working on “Eyes Wide Shut” with Cruise, and a screen test with a wind machine to watch how the hair moved. Just glorious.

198. Kerry Warn (Chief Hair Stylist on 'Mission: Impossible 2')

Here it is! The moment you’ve been waiting for! For our 200th episode we are joined by Tom Cruise himself! But that’s not all, we are also joined by “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, editor Eddie Hamilton and actors Mark Gatiss and Nick Offerman. Plus, we get a cameo from “Top Gun: Maverick” stars Glen Powell, Greg Tarzan Davis and Danny Ramirez. This episode is very much worth the wait!

200. Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, Nick Offerman, Mark Gatiss, Glen Powell, and more!

We’re back in the cockpit with another installment of Light the Fuselage, this time with storyboard artist Mark Bristol. He talks about his love of the original movie, getting pulled off “Mission: Impossible 7” to work on “Top Gun: Maverick,” the crucial moment he helped bring to life, and seeing a work-in-progress version of the movie at Tom Cruise’s house. And yes, we try to get some info out of him about the new “M:I.”

213. Mark Bristol (Storyboard Artist on 'Top Gun: Maverick')

We take a detour to Pittsburgh this week to talk about the making of “Jack Reacher” with writer/director Christopher McQuarrie. This week McQ tells us how he got involved in the production of “Jack Reacher,” reveals how they chose “One Shot” as the novel to adapt and exposes (literally!) the downside of fan service. He also discusses writing “The Wolverine” for Darren Aronofsky and why most franchise movies just don’t work.

216. Christopher McQuarrie on the 10th Anniversary of 'Jack Reacher' - Part 1

Welcome back for week two of our celebration of the 10th anniversary of “Jack Reacher” with writer/director Christopher McQuarrie! This week we discuss the dialogue-free opening sequence, learn how this project differed from earlier collaborations with Tom Cruise, and learn the unlikely origins of “the car chase that ate Pittsburgh.” Also we go deep on two of the coolest shots from the movie. Which shots? You’ll have to listen to find out!

217. Christopher McQuarrie on the 10th Anniversary of 'Jack Reacher' - Part 2

This week we talk to Erik Jendresen, a writer on “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” (parts one and two). On this episode Erik tells us his favorite haircut right off the bat, we get into his history with Christopher McQuarrie (and their future together!), and we get some details about his proposed “Star Trek” movie. Plus much more!

223. Erik Jendresen, Part 1 (Co-Writer on 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 2')

We’re back with the second installment of our interview with Erik Jendresen, a writer on “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” (parts one and two). We got some details on the opening of “Part One” and the writing process of “Part Two,” we hear about the making of “Band of Brothers,” and Erik tells us if he thinks aliens are real (he worked on a project involving Majestic-12). Talk about a fun episode!

224. Erik Jendresen, Part 2 (Co-Writer on 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 2')

Join us for part two of our chat with podcast host, comedian and producer Paul Scheer! On this week’s episode we talk about how much Paul loves “Rogue Nation,” what his favorite in the series is, and we get some delicious details about what it was like filming “Piranha 3D” (a Charles and Drew favorite). Plus we talk a lot about Tom Cruise’s hair (obviously).

231. Paul Scheer, Part 2 (Comedian, Actor, and Podcaster)

This week we return to our Tom Cruise interview, which was previously heard in our 200th episode. If you’ve already heard it, this is a fun return, and if you never have welcome! We have many, many more episodes. In our chat TC talks about some of his less talked about work (including “Legend” and “The Color of Money”), how he started the “Mission: Impossible” film franchise, and more. It’s a really great chat and one we were glad to hit replay on.

Revisiting Our Tom Cruise Interview

This week we have a special episode, recorded live outside of a derelict motel near the Las Vegas Airport! Drew and Charles talk about the new trailer, 20 minutes of “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One” and the new movie’s amazing title sequence, all screened at this year’s CinemaCon.

232. CinemaCon Recap: 20 Minutes of 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1' Plus the New Trailer!

This episode we are joined by Clint Schultz, a graphic designer for “Top Gun: Maverick.” We talk about the helmets in "Maverick" and how they actually break the rules set forth by the Navy; the history of Hangman’s name (including a surprising connection to a heavy metal band) and what it is like working with Tom Cruise. And we’ll be back for more next week!

233. Clint Schultz, Part 1 (Graphic Designer for 'Top Gun: Maverick')

We are once again joined by Clint Schultz, graphic designer for “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Mission: Impossible 3” and this week we talk about the logo for the IMF that Schultz designed (and is barely seen in the movie), designing the four dots logo for “Ghost Protocol,” and he tells stories about “Zodiac,” “Tomorrowland,” “Star Trek” and much, much more!

234. Clint Schultz, Part 2 (Graphic Designer for 'Mission: Impossible 3')

It’s time for our forensic, shot-by-shot analysis of the new trailer for “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One.” We get into the nitty gritty of the terrific new trailer, looking for clues, solving riddles and attempting to solve our own globetrotting mystery. If you’ve ever wanted two nerds to pick apart a trailer like it’s the Zapruder film, this is the episode for you!

235. Breakdown of the New 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1' Trailer!

This week we are joined by a truly amazing guest – Bryan Burk, who produced “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” and “Rogue Nation.” (He was also around for “3.”) On this episode, we talk about how Brad Bird was hired, the contributions on the “Ghost Protocol” script by Damon Lindelof and Christopher McQuarrie, and how Bird was like Stanley Kubrick. Plus so much more!

236. Bryan Burk, Part 1 (Producer of 'Ghost Protocol' and 'Rogue Nation')

&nbsp;Super-producer Bryan Burk, who produced “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” and “Rogue Nation,” returns! On this installment Burk talks to us about what he learned from Tom Cruise about producing, how close Gene Hackman came to being in “Ghost Protocol” (and Martin Landau in “Rogue Nation”), and we discuss his hair preferences. What more do you want?

237. Bryan Burk, Part 2 (Producer of 'Ghost Protocol' and 'Rogue Nation')

Get ready because we’re taking Light the Fuse to the next level. We’ll be back with a special preview on June 27th. We’re very excited to share with you these exciting new details, but until then feel free to dig into the back catalog. And remember “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part 1” only in theaters July 12th.

A Very Special Announcement

Quick, before this podcast self-destructs! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to listen to Light the Fuse – The Official Mission: Impossible Podcast. Longtime “Mission: Impossible” obsessives, filmmaker Charles Hood and entertainment journalist Drew Taylor, are taking their passion to the next level. They’ll be sharing anecdote-filled interviews, deep dives into the movies’ heart-racing stunts, and behind-the-scenes revelations, including exclusive interviews with top talent, like Tom Cruise himself. New episodes every Tuesday.

Coming Soon: Light the Fuse - The Official Mission: Impossible Podcast

We continue our chat with the great video essayist Patrick (H) Willems, talking even more “Mission: Impossible.” We also get him to rank all of the movies, and his answers might surprise you! Actually, they’ll definitely surprise you!

20. Patrick (H) Willems Interview, Part 2

This week we’re joined by video essayist Patrick (H) Willems, as we talk about all things “Mission: Impossible” and delve even deeper into our “M:I”-related obsessions, including his wonderful analysis in the video "Who is Ethan Hunt?"

19. Patrick (H) Willems Interview, Part 1

We take a look at the very first film in the franchise, Brian De Palma’s “Mission: Impossible.” Find out where we were, what we thought, what we think of it now, and whether or not Charles’s dad loves him.

2. Mission: Impossible (1996)

On this week’s episode we break down “Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” in excruciating detail. What more could you want?

8. Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

In this episode we kick it into high gear with our analysis of “Mission: Impossible 2” (because Tom Cruise really kicks a lot of people in this one). Find out what we loved about this controversial installment and whether or not we think it deserves a reappraisal.

3. Mission: Impossible 2 (2000)

We were lucky enough to chat with Eddie Hamilton, the brilliant editor behind “Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation” and “Mission: Impossible - Fallout” (amongst many other amazing movies). Learn what drew him back into the fold and what made the production so tricky!

26. Eddie Hamilton Interview, Part 1 (Editor of 'Rogue Nation' and 'Fallout')

2018 was the year of "Mission: Impossible." From the unprecedented critical and commercial success of "Mission: Impossible – Fallout" to potential Oscar glory, it seemed like everyone was accepting this particular mission. We run down the highlights of the year, from top 10 lists to theme park news, and discuss the movie's Oscar potentials. Here's hoping!

30. Will ‘Mission: Impossible - Fallout’ Get Nominated for Oscars? Plus News Roundup

On this week’s episode we pause (briefly) to discuss the SAG Awards before continuing our deep dive into the making of “Mission: Impossible 2,” including the post-production and marketing of the movie. Learn all about the 11th hour editing of the movie, its lavish premiere party, and whether or not Drew can tell which tag line belongs to which movie.

33. The Making of 'Mission: Impossible 2' (2000), Part 2

We’re back! Part two of our in-depth look at the making of “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” takes a look at the movie’s lengthy and complicated production, including (of course) every detail we could dig up about the Burj Khalifa sequence, including how they got that amazing promotional photo of Tom Cruise sitting at the top.

86. The Making of 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' (2011), Part 2

This is it! We made it to episode 100! And we brought some friends! Initially just a conversation with Christopher McQuarrie about how he’s doing and how the two sequels are shaping up, it soon became much, much more, as Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, and Lorne Balfe contributed to a truly epic Zoom bomb scenario. We learn all about the new movies, including confirmation of returning cast members and some truly tantalizing information about Hayley’s character.

100. Christopher McQuarrie, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, and Lorne Balfe

This week we’re tickling the ivories with Joe Kraemer, the composer for “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.” In this episode, we talk about his relationship with the original series, how he became attached to the movie, his approach to the score for "Rogue Nation" (plus his general philosophy on film music) and the making of the opera sequence (which he was on set for). It hits all the right notes.

104. Joe Kraemer Interview, Part 1 (Composer of 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation')

Get to know your hosts for the only podcast dedicated to the "Mission: Impossible" franchise and learn where the series is headed. If you choose to accept it, that is.

1. Intro

Finally! An episode you have all been requesting and we have been dying for, our chat with Michael Giacchino, composer of “M:I-3” and “Ghost Protocol.” We begin by discussing Giacchino’s amazing new solo album “Travelogue, Volume 1,” and talk about his inspirations for the new record. Then we talk about his work on “M:I” – how he got involved with “3,” working with Brad Bird, and the influence of the original series.

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