Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is the latest instalment in the eponymous spy action film series. With the previous three entires receiving critical acclaim, Dead Reckoning Part One repeats this success and delivers yet another stellar action-packed outing. It features a number of returning characters from prior movies and Ethan Hunt’s past. With that being said, if you’ve seen Dead Reckoning Part One, you may be wondering exactly who Gabriel is.
Gabriel appears in Dead Reckoning Part One as the film’s primary antagonist and is portrayed by Esai Morales. He wants to control the all-powerful AI known as “the Entity”. It can infiltrate and take over all of the world’s technology, and Gabriel hopes to use it to achieve his nefarious goals.
Gabriel’s mysterious past is repeatedly alluded to in the film, as are his ties to Ethan Hunt. And while Dead Reckoning Part One does provide the character with a backstory, audiences may be left wondering exactly who Gabriel is and whether he has appeared in any previous Mission: Impossible films.
Is Gabriel in previous Mission: Impossible movies?
Gabriel is a new character in the series and is first introduced in 2023’s Mission: Impossible Dead – Reckoning Part One. He isn’t in any previous Mission: Impossible movies.
This may be surprising to anyone who hasn’t seen earlier M:I films given the apparent significance of Gabriel in Ethan’s past. However, audiences are left to decipher Gabriel’s connection to Ethan through flashbacks in Dead Reckoning – Part One.
Who is Gabriel in Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning?
Gabriel is a terrorist who has been enlisted by the Entity AI to secure its two keys and kill Ethan Hunt. He also hopes to use the Entity for himself so he can control the world.
Flashbacks in Dead Reckoning Part One show that Gabriel was responsible for the death of a woman Ethan cared about before he joined the IMF. Ethan believed he was dead prior to his reappearance in the film.
The story of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning also contains numerous allusions to Christianity, with Gabriel being one of these allusions.
Hunt’s mission is to destroy the god-like AI which has a group of disciples (including Gabriel – get it?). The keys used to unlock the secret to the artificial intelligence also resemble a crucifix when combined.
Exactly what will happen with Gabriel’s character in Part Two is unknown, but fans can expect him to continue as the film’s big bad.
Did you enjoy Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
