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Mission: Impossible 2

Mission: Impossible 2 (styled onscreen as Mission: Impossible II and abbreviated M:i-2) is a 2000 American action spy film directed by John Woo and starring Tom Cruise.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mission: Impossible 2 (styled onscreen as Mission: Impossible II and abbreviated M:i-2) is a 2000 American action spy film directed by John Woo and starring Tom Cruise. It is the second film in the Mission: Impossible film series and follows Ethan Hunt as he tries to stop a rogue former IMF agent from releasing a genetically modified disease called Chimera.

Plot

The film follows Ethan Hunt as he teams with thief Nyah Nordoff-Hall to recover a genetically modified disease, Chimera, before it can be weaponized. His opponent is Sean Ambrose, a former IMF agent and Nyah’s former lover.

Production

Mission: Impossible 2 was directed by John Woo and written by Robert Towne. It was produced by and stars Tom Cruise, and was released by Paramount Pictures.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2000 and received mixed-to-negative commentary from reviewers who praised its action and stunts but often criticized its plot and character development.

Place in the series

The film is the second entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise, following the 1996 film and preceding Mission: Impossible III (2006).

Key facts

  • Mission: Impossible 2 is a standalone sequel to Mission: Impossible (1996).
  • Tom Cruise stars as Ethan Hunt and also served as producer.
  • The plot centres on the virus Chimera and a mission to stop Sean Ambrose, a rogue IMF agent.
  • The film was directed by John Woo from a screenplay by Robert Towne.
  • It is the second installment in the Mission: Impossible film series.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mission: Impossible 2?
It is a 2000 American action spy film directed by John Woo and starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt.
Is Mission: Impossible 2 a sequel?
Yes. It is a standalone sequel to Mission: Impossible (1996) and the second film in the series.
Who directed Mission: Impossible 2?
John Woo directed the film.
Who wrote Mission: Impossible 2?
Robert Towne wrote the screenplay.
What is the main threat in the film?
The central threat is Chimera, a genetically modified disease that Ethan Hunt must prevent from being released.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mission:_Impossible_2
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, series position, and basic plot summary.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mission_impossible_2
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, and synopsis.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/mission-impossible-ii-review-movie-2000-1293996/
    Supports: Release and commercial/reception context.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120755/
    Supports: General reception themes and production credits.