Mission: Impossible III (2006) is an American action-spy film that rejuvenated the franchise by pivoting from pure action to a more grounded, emotional character study. Directed by in his feature debut, the film was lauded for its intense pacing and for providing a more human, vulnerable portrayal of Ethan Hunt. Production & Development Director: J.J. Abrams Producers: Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner Release Date: May 5, 2006 (USA) Budget: Estimated $150–$186 million
Production was delayed by over a year due to Abrams’ commitments to Alias and Lost . The film went through several directors (including Joe Carnahan) and script rewrites before Abrams was hired.
IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) has retired from active field work to train new recruits and live a quiet life with his fiancée, Julia Meade (Michelle Monaghan), who is unaware of his true profession.
Shot in Rome, Italy; Shanghai and Xitang, China; Berlin, Germany; and the United States (California, Virginia).