With the massive success of “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” actor Tramell Tillman has achieved yet another career milestone.
Renowned for his work on the Emmy Award-Winning series, “Severance”, Tillman’s breakout role as Seth Milchick caught the eye of “Mission Impossible” director Christopher McQuarrie resulting in him being cast in the eighth installment of the franchise as Captain Bledsoe, a Navy Submariner.
Tillman told D’AMOUR Magazine how he prepared for the role. “The Mission Impossible crew was very helpful in that process because they had a team of advisors that worked within the military, primarily the Navy. So any questions that I had about managing a submarine, speaking to other crew members, and giving out calls, they were on hand to have those conversations. We wanted to do everything that we could to make it as authentic as possible. And Christopher McQuarrie really led that charge to make sure that I was educated at every step of the process.”
In the latest iteration of “Mission Impossible”, Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt has 72 hours to thwart a rogue artificial intelligence program known as the Entity from detonating nuclear weapons, effectively destroying the world. Hunt’s mission, which he chooses to accept, includes diving beyond the depths of the ocean to find a sunken submarine and recover a hard drive containing a source code that when connected to a key (recovered in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, 2023) can stop the Entity releasing its control of the world’s nuclear weapons.
Throughout its nearly three-hour run time, audiences are enthralled in a series of suspenseful and action-pack sequences where Cruise continues to up the ante with stunts that suspend reality and defy gravity.
When asked what he gleaned from his time on set working with Tom Cruise, Tillman revealed. “Commitment to the craft. I’ve watched Tom go above and beyond, putting himself at risk to push the boundaries, and it’s inspiring. Anyone who would film themselves hanging off of a plane that’s flying thousands of feet in the air is absolutely incredible. I don’t think it’s anything that I would do, but you never know.”
Weeks away from his 40th birthday, Tillman is one of Hollywood’s rising stars. Amid his international press tour for “Mission Impossible”, he received one of the most coveted industry invites to attend the MET Gala and he recently showcased his model looks as an ambassador for the international fashion brand KITH, starring in their summer campaign.
This attention has been, I would say, 30 years in the making. It didn’t happen overnight, and that’s what I tell young artists coming up, be patient with yourself.
When asked if this is the life he dreamt for himself or if it’s bigger? Tillman revealed, “It’s so much bigger. When I was 10 years old, and I said that I wanted to be an actor, I had no idea what door I would be opening. I could not have imagined that I would be here at 39 years old, with all of the accolades and acquisitions that you mentioned and so much more. I’m blown away by it. I’m truly honored and humbled.
Tillman went on to share his advice for aspiring actors in regard to the importance of being resilient and steadfast in the pursuit of your dreams.
“In all honesty, I wanted to quit so many times. I wanted to give up because it didn’t seem like the needle was being pushed fast enough for me but then I also had to understand that it takes time, you know, and as you’re climbing that ladder, you have to prepare yourself for the long haul. I would always hear the statement that it’s not a race but a marathon. It’s not a sprint. But I wanted things to happen so quickly because, to me, that was the indication of success. But it’s really about making sure that you get up, you keep going and you keep trying. That’s the lesson, to continue and be persistent.”
Tillman went on to say, “This attention has been, I would say, 30 years in the making. It didn’t happen overnight, and that’s what I tell young artists coming up, be patient with yourself. Attach yourself to a purpose for why you’re doing this, because, if you remember the why, it’s going to get you through to the end.”
See “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” in theatres and IMAX.