Simon Pegg has confirmed filming of Mission: Impossible 7 wrapped in the UAE on schedule, as he returned to the UK following his visit to Abu Dhabi.
The British actor, who plays field agent Benji Dunn in the blockbuster franchise, disputed claims that production had been halted in the wake of the UK introducing hotel quarantine for UAE arrivals from Monday.
"I'm in 10-day quarantine having returned from Abu Dhabi and it’s my birthday," the star told his Instagram followers in a series of videos posted to his Stories on Sunday.
Pegg turned 51 on Valentine's Day, and revealed he had received a video message from the cast and crew of MI7 as they returned from the UAE.
"Lovely video from the cast and the crew of MI spearheaded by one [Greg] Tarzan Davis, who you will soon know all about; he's in Top Gun and he's in our MI," Pegg said.
"The whole crew on the plane back from Abu Dhabi sang happy birthday which was so nice. Everyone’s on their way home because we finished, not because of Covid as the tabloids would probably want you to believe."
The actor added that his time in the UAE "was incredible", revealing that he returned to the UK a day ahead of the rest of the cast and crew as it was his wife's birthday.
UK tabloid reports last week suggested the Abu Dhabi shoot had been abandoned after crew members demanded to be returned home before new quarantine rules came into place in the UK. However, sources confirmed to The National filming was not intended to run past February 13.
Little is currently known about the film's UAE shoot, although the franchise has previously visited the Emirates on two occasions. In 2011, Cruise single-handedly scaled Dubai's Burj Khalifa, while his last visit to Abu Dhabi saw him leaping from a plane at 7,600 metres.
On Sunday, director Christopher McQuarrie also paid tribute to the UAE capital as the seventh chapter of the franchise wrapped up filming.
"Grace and graciousness, magic and majesty, hospitality and hope. Of the many challenges we’ve faced on our journey, none will be greater than outshining the gifts Abu Dhabi has given us," he wrote on Instagram.
"Thanks to our extraordinary local cast, crew and the very fine people of Abu Dhabi. We shall most sincerely miss you until we see you again."
Mission: Impossible 7 is currently scheduled to be released in November 2021.
