The Mission: Impossible series is set to hit its exhilarating finale on May 23 with the debut of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Renowned for its intense action and formidable villains, the franchise now confronts its most perilous foe yet: an artificial intelligence referred to as The Entity, whose aim is nothing short of the annihilation of humanity.

Mashable’s Senior Creative Producer, Mark Stetson, engaged with cast members Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Greg Tarzan Davis to delve into the film’s profound themes — particularly the significance of AI, the necessity of human connection, and the lasting strength of friendship.

Simon Pegg, who has embodied tech whiz Benji Dunn since Mission: Impossible III, shared insights on the origins of The Entity. “The Entity existed in a rudimentary form ages ago,” Pegg stated. “It began as a piece of harmful code that progressed into the menace we confront in Dead Reckoning and The Final Reckoning. I appreciate that director Christopher McQuarrie revisited the franchise’s past to uncover where this threat may have initially surfaced — even nodding to characters like Bill Donloe, who was banished to Alaska.”

Hayley Atwell, who entered the franchise as Grace in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, highlighted the film’s emotional essence. “For me, the core of this movie is friendship,” she remarked. “True, the Entity is this godlike antagonist that elevates the stakes, but the actual narrative focuses on a team that sets aside personal ambitions for the greater good. It’s a tribute to the human spirit — so heartfelt and poignant.”

Angela Bassett reiterated this notion, emphasizing the need to maintain our humanity amid evolving technology. “What are we without it?” she inquired. “We are meant to forge connections with one another. AI can be an empowering tool, but we must guarantee it serves us — not endangers us.”

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning debuts exclusively in theaters on May 23.