There's something unmistakable about the way Esai Morales says his name—"I am Esai, and I am Esaí." It's a declaration that encapsulates his entire career: dual, bicultural, layered, and deliberate. And much like his chilling turn in "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning" and the intense dynamic with Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt, it's absolutely unforgettable.
Since his breakthrough as Bob Morales in "La Bamba" (1987), the Brooklyn-born actor has been a steady, powerful presence across American film and television. But now, at 62, he steps once again into perhaps his most iconic role yet: Gabriel, Hunt's most personal nemesis. Dressed in black and exuding danger, Morales cements his place in the pantheon of cinematic villains with a performance that's as fierce as it is refined—equal parts psychological and physical.
And he does it, as always, without ever letting go of his Latin identity.
"Gabriel or Gabriel?": A Villain Between Two Worlds
In an interview with the Latin Times and ENSTARZ ¡Latino! about the latest "Mission: Impossible" installment, Morales talks about how the spelling of your character's name is identical in both English and Spanish. But how do you hear it in your head?
"That's a great question," Morales says. "Because I am Esai, and I am Esaí... To be 100% honest, it's both. It depends, of course, on who's calling me. But in my mind, he's become Gabriel—and also Gabriel [gah-bree-EL]."
There's something about the way Esai Morales says his name—"I am Esai, and I am Esaí"—that defines his entire career. Dual. Bicultural. Profound. Precise. His character in "Mission Impossible: Final Judgment" and his clashes with Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt are absolutely unforgettable.
Since appearing as Bob Morales in "La Bamba"(1987), the Brooklyn-born actor has been a constant and powerful presence in American film and television. But now, at 62, he dons the dark suit of Gabriel—Ethan Hunt's most personal enemy—and officially enters the Olympus of cinematic villains with a fierce, elegant, and physical performance.
He consistently performs this action while maintaining his Latin identity. Morales plays him with calculated coldness and unsettling magnetism. No shouting. No overacting. There's only a gaze, control, and tension present. "He's not crazy. He believes in what he's doing," he says of his character. And it shows.
A villain with a parachute (literally)
To prepare for her role, Esai didn't just study the script. He literally embraced the challenge.
"Well, we trained by skydiving. Parachuting. And I also trained in airplanes, just in case something happens. You never know," he says, with the calmness of someone who has lived to tell the tale.
"This [Tom Cruise] is careful. He takes very good care of himself, obviously, because he's still alive and well. But there's a reason for the word 'accident.' Unexpected things can happen. That's why we did that training. To increase the chances of survival, as they say."
Morales refers to one of the most intense sequences in the saga: a mid-air fight. As in the first installment of this film, it's him versus Cruise. Two generations. Two philosophies. And two actors who believe in cinema made with the body, not just with digital effects. However, he acknowledges that he's not as reckless as the protagonist and does accept that experts do their job.
"Any time you're working with such authentic stunts, you have to give it your full attention. That's why I want people to see the love and dedication these filmmakers put into this."
Will this be the last mission?
"Mission: Impossible: Final Reckoning" hits theaters on May 23, 2025, following its world premiere in Tokyo, London, and New York, and a standing ovation at Cannes. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film continues the story of Dead Reckoning, Part One and pits Ethan Hunt against his deadliest threat yet: unbridled technology… and Gabriel.
Will this be the end of the saga?
"I don't know when it's going to be done again," says Morales, with a mixture of melancholy and suspense.
"I can't speak for Mr. [Cruise], but if the public sees this in the numbers it deserves, that's going to say there's a market that wants more."
And it makes clear that this movie was not made to be watched on a phone.
"It's important that people don't wait until it comes out on video. Don't wait to watch it on their phone. It's a different thing to be with a big screen. That's an event."
The pride of being Latino in Hollywood
Esai Morales was born in New York, but his blood is Puerto Rican. His name appears in the credits of more than 80 films and series, from "NYPD Blue" and "Titans" to "Ozark" and "Caprica." But beyond his filmography, Morales has been a committed voice for the dignity of Latino actors.
As co-founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, he has worked tirelessly to open spaces for new generations. His career is proof that it's not just about appearing on screen. It's about how you appear. With intelligence. With heart and with integrity.
"I represent more than just an antagonist. For many, I'm a reflection of their parents, their siblings, themselves," he says.
"Seeing someone like me in a movie like this is no small feat."
And it isn't. It's a declaration. A victory. A mission accomplished.
