According to an interview with J.J. Abrams, the script for Ghost Protocol was developed over a period of several years, with the writers drawing inspiration from real-world events and current affairs. The film's climax, which features a dramatic showdown between Ethan and Kozlov, was filmed over several weeks in Dubai.

While Ghost Protocol is an action film, the script injects a surprising amount of humor, largely through the character of Benji Dunn. This levity prevents the film from feeling too grim.

The script also elevates its villain. Kurt Hendricks is not a simple terrorist; he is a nihilistic nuclear strategist. His monologue provides the thematic weight for the film: