It would be difficult to write a script with Mark Joseph Connolly's story and make it sound believable. The first act may be predictable: a professional stunt double has a terrible accident during the filming of Mission Impossible II. He passed away without receiving the compensation of over a million dollars. He was called to be informed, and two hours later he passed away.
He had nine years of experience, but it wasn't just any accident. A motorcycle was launched and hit his body: his right arm became unusable and had to be reconstructed with plates and screws. He also suffered very serious injuries to his neck and side. The scene took place at Bare Island, in Sydney, in June 1999.
The scene had not been rehearsed. The person in charge of coordinating the sequence was Billy Burton, and during the subsequent trial, the judge concluded that Burton had acted without the necessary minimum planning to ensure the safety of the team.
The legal process was long and painful. For almost a decade, Connolly lived with chronic pain, underwent several surgeries, and, as his lawyer recounted in 2007, depended on between eight and ten daily doses of painkillers (Panadeine) to cope with the suffering. Unable to work, he lived under the care of his mother and with financial assistance from family and friends.
Already in the terminal phase, weakened by the illness but still conscious, Connolly heard his lawyer confirm the legal agreement. It was 10:40. Shortly after, he passed away.
The movie, directed by John Woo and starring Tom Cruise in his iconic role as Ethan Hunt, was the anticipated sequel to the original success. Woo, known for titles like Face/Off and Broken Arrow, had already made a name for himself in Hollywood. The script for this second part had originally been written by William Goldman, although it underwent many modifications before its release in 2000.
However, this story, so painful that it seems unreal, does not appear in the credits or official records of the movie and Mission: Impossible II is remembered as one of the less appreciated installments of the franchise.