Movies

Esai Morales is the bad guy in ‘Mission Impossible.’ He’s embracing it

BBG News

In the newest edition of the “Mission: Impossible” action series, Esai Morales is embarking on a risky mission to disrupt Tom Cruise’s life once more. This thrilling adventure goes by the name “The Last Showdown” and hit theaters this past Friday.

In this revival, Morales takes on the character of Gabriel once more, a liaison for assassinations who’s determined to execute a perilous task for Entity – an AI system that has strayed from its intended purpose and now poses a threat to human civilization. This role can be traced back to the initial “Mission: Impossible” movie in 1996, where Gabriel’s assassination was the catalyst that prompted Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) to enlist in the Impossible Missions Force.

During our video conversation, Morales stated that he views Gabriel as if he were the lead actor in his own film,” explained Morales. “In my portrayal of these characters, I strive to infuse them with as much genuine emotion as possible.

In contrast to the common belief that Gabriel is deceased, the 2023 summer blockbuster “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” introduces the character of Morales. Not only does he take on the role of the primary antagonist, which includes daring stunts alongside seasoned action star Tom Cruise, but Morales also made history within the franchise by becoming its first Latino lead in this high-octane series.

The actor hailing from Brooklyn with Puerto Rican roots is primarily recognized for his portrayal of Bob Morales in the 1987 Chicano film “La Bamba” and as Jesus “Chucho” Sánchez in “Mi Familia” (1995), both films being preserved in the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress. Additionally, he is renowned for his roles as Joseph Adama in the prequel spin-off of “Caprica,” related to the series “Battlestar Galactica”; as Camino del Rio on Netflix’s “Ozark”; and as the villain Deathstroke in the DC “Titans” television series.

What I appreciate about ‘Mission: Impossible’ featuring Gabriel, is that his ethnicity isn’t emphasized. Instead, it concentrates on the fast-paced competition to obtain the key!

Reflecting on the recent rollout of the latest “Mission: Impossible” installments, it feels like a thrilling sprint to the endline. Spanning over five years in production, with temporary pauses due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent labor strikes by guilds such as SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, these films have been no small feat. Adding to the complexity, inflation has pushed the budget for this Paramount Pictures production up to a staggering $400 million, placing it among the priciest movies ever made.

Morales considers its release a momentous occasion — and a “graduation” of sorts.

He stated, ‘Those hurdles are similar to the force that transforms coal into a diamond.’ I wish the viewers could experience the emotions I did and still do while watching the movie.

This interview has been edited for clarity and shortened.

How did you ready yourself, both physically and mentally, for the part in “Mission: Impossible”? Well, I’m quite the tennis enthusiast, which keeps me in top physical condition. During the pandemic, I found myself drawn to the ocean at dusk, swimming for hours on end at night. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but it helped me prepare. Upon arriving in London, I had the privilege of working with some of the best stunt performers, who specialize in fighting, acrobatics, knife fighting, and boxing. The key is to hone your reflexes, as you might need to perform multiple takes without tiring out.

In essence, it’s a lifetime of learning and preparation. I can’t learn about Gabriel specifically, but I draw from my own personality and qualities in hypothetical situations. Some of it just feels intuitive… or as you put it, following Ethan’s trail [laughs]. It’s a gut feeling and years of watching movies, especially the “Mission: Impossible” series. They are diligent, and their most reassuring trait is that they won’t give up until they get it perfect.

Working with Cruise on his daring live-action scenes was an exhilarating experience. I can’t imagine a better person to trust my safety with, given his impressive health and longevity in the industry. He doesn’t approach these situations casually; he is meticulous about safety. After all, life itself involves risk, but it makes sense to take additional risks with individuals who have been successful at it for many years.

During this press run, a thrilling moment high above ground was hinted at many times. As I found myself up there, I couldn’t help but reflect on the divine forces that have protected me throughout my life. After offering prayers and expressing gratitude to the universe, God, and any guardian angels watching over me, I surrendered to faith – a common saying goes, “you’ve got to let go and let God.

How has working for this franchise affected your long-term career prospects?
Working for this franchise during a difficult time in everyone’s life has been an incredible opportunity for me. I am deeply grateful because it allowed me to work on a project of such magnitude and collaborate with talented professionals. I hope that this is just the beginning and not the peak of my career.

In a nutshell, I’m aiming for my ongoing work to result in significant roles and characters that uplift humanity. Essentially, I aspire to create parts that inspire people to appreciate their humanness, even if it means portraying a villain at times, because someone needs to play the antagonist, don’t they?

In my perspective, Gabriel isn’t portrayed as a villain. Instead, I view him as the protagonist in his own story. After all, wars aren’t started by those who believe they will lose them. Consequently, I approach such characters with as much empathy and humanity as possible.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes affect the making of this movie? As a member of SAG-AFTRA, I can tell you that both events presented significant challenges. It wasn’t enjoyable, it was tough. We’re still navigating through these difficulties, especially with the advancements in AI technology. However, the production team has remained resilient. Overcoming adversity only makes us stronger.

Do you recall feeling a strong connection or identification with being an adopted Chicano, largely due to your portrayal of Bob Morales in “La Bamba”? When you reflect on that role, what thoughts and feelings surface?

My answer: One of the many memories that stand out is the profound coincidence or harmony that a part with my surname would become one of the most iconic. People would often remark, “That’s your name written all over it.” Indeed, this role literally bore my name. As people urged me to emphasize Ritchie more, I felt compelled to be present and channel the pain experienced by Bob, Ritchie Valens’ brother, into my performance.

Without that film and a few others, I’m not sure where my career would be. When you act as someone else, it’s a significant burden because they are real and you aren’t. It feels like you’re trying to mimic their existence and life. You don’t want to make mistakes. However, Bob and I were able to connect over a few drinks, relax, and I managed to pick up on his rhythm. I adopted his Mexican spirit, much like Anthony Quinn embodied “Zorba the Greek.” Whenever he entered a Greek restaurant, dishes would break in admiration of him and his performance… and he is an Irish actor of Mexican descent.

It’s often remarked that I portray a Mexican character convincingly, but I am proudly Puerto Rican. I don’t feel the need to constantly show my heritage; instead, I want my work to be my statement. Let’s celebrate what makes us strong and unique, rather than relying on labels.

A significant number of Latino actors are featured in science fiction movies, such as yourself in “Caprica,” Diego Luna and Adria Arjona in “Andor,” Zoe Saldaña in “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Pedro Pascal in “The Mandalorian,” Ricardo Montalbán in “Star Trek,” among others. I wonder what impact these space roles have on introducing Latino actors to a broader audience?
In my opinion, it’s not just about reaching new audiences but also serving their own community, which makes up approximately 25% of movie-goers. By featuring talented individuals who may have been overlooked in the past, filmmakers are not only catering to their market but also representing them. Although long overdue, this development is warmly welcomed.

Is it possible that exploring space could pave the way for more Latinos in prominent roles within romantic comedies and action films? I’d certainly appreciate seeing this happen. It would be wonderful to see characters like us, people whom we can empathize with, learn from, and develop affection for, as I believe movies have a unique ability to provide insight into the hearts of their main characters. Once you connect with them, it becomes impossible not to feel fondness towards them.

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2025-05-25 18:31

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