Angela Bassett, the newly crowned Disney Legend, is a true star in movies. Her role as Queen Ramonda in the Black Panther films has made her a lasting cultural icon. The actress recently received Disney Legend Award at Disney’s D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, on Sunday, August 11.
Although Bassett is famous for her role in Black Panther, there’s a lesser-known facet to this versatile actress that’s equally worth noting: her impressive role in the hit action movie Mission: Impossible – Fallout, where she commands Henry Cavill’s character.
Angela Bassett is the Hidden Gem in the Star-Studded Cast of MI:6
Mission: Impossible – Fallout was a worldwide hit, earning over $791 million at the box office (via Box Office Mojo). Among the jaw-dropping action and incredible stunts, Angela Bassett‘s role as Erika Sloane stood out as a hidden gem. Though known for strong, motherly roles in films like Notorious and Betty & Coretta, Angie showed she could stand out in the tough world of spying, too (which is mostly dominated by men).
In the film, she plays Erica Sloane, who used to run the CIA. She stepped into the role after Alan Hunley was promoted to Secretary of the IMF and was also the former boss of August Walker (Henry Cavill). In the movie, she instructs August to watch Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) closely during the mission.
There’s a scene in the film where she firmly directs him as they discuss who John Lark really is and Ethan’s connection to him. Her character is a far cry from the regal Queen Ramonda, yet equally captivating. She holds her own against the likes of Cruise and Cavill, turning the tables on the typically alpha-male archetype.
Angela Bassett’s Disney Legacy
Angela Bassett has been a key part of Disney for 17 years. She voiced characters in Meet the Robinsons (2007) and Soul (2020). As already mentioned, she also starred in Black Panther (2018) and its 2022 sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which earned her a second Academy Award nomination.
The 65-year-old was previously nominated for the honorary award in 1994 for What’s Love Got to Do with It. Bassett played Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic, portraying Turner’s rise to fame, her abusive relationship with Ike Turner, and her eventual escape.
Watch Mission: Impossible – Fallout on Paramount+, and Black Panther on Disney+.
Frequently asked questions
What character did Angela Bassett play in Mission: Impossible – Fallout?
The article reports Angela Bassett played Erica Sloane, a CIA director, in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018). She stepped into the role after Alan Hunley was promoted to IMF Secretary and had been the former superior of August Walker (Henry Cavill), and she instructs Walker to watch Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, closely during the mission.
How much did Mission: Impossible – Fallout earn at the box office?
According to the article, Mission: Impossible – Fallout was a worldwide hit, earning over $791 million at the box office (about $791.1 million globally, the highest-grossing entry in the franchise). The piece frames Angela Bassett’s CIA director role as a standout, lesser-known accomplishment alongside her better-known Queen Ramonda in the Black Panther films.
When did Angela Bassett receive the Disney Legend Award?
The article reports Angela Bassett received the Disney Legend Award at Disney’s D23 fan event in Anaheim, California, on Sunday, August 11. It notes she has been part of Disney for 17 years, voicing roles in Meet the Robinsons (2007) and Soul (2020), and earned an Academy Award nomination for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).
