Exploring the Action Cinema Landscape Post-'Mission: Impossible': What Lies Ahead for Hollywood?
A Fresh Take on the Future of "Mission: Impossible"
Three decades, three on-screen goodbyes, a dozen jaw-dropping stunts - and yet, here we are with "The Final Reckoning," the latest installment in the illustrious "Mission: Impossible" franchise. The question on everyone's lips is simple: "What now?"
Tom Cruise, the driving force behind this striking series, shows no signs of letting go. Over the years, he's consistently reiterated his unwavering dedication to these films, whether they squeeze his heart or test its limits. Long-time fans will remember the recurring whispers that Jeremy Renner, cast as William Brandt for "Ghost Protocol," might steal Cruise's spotlight if the actor ever decided to hang up his cloak. Those tales never came to fruition, but since "Ghost" and beyond, Cruise has always had a co-pilot by his side, from Rebecca Ferguson's Ilsa Faust (introduced in "Rogue Nation") to Henry Cavill's August Walker ("Fallout").
Each newcomer - even Cavill, until Walker's revelation as the villain - has served as a potential candidate to step into the role of a new lead if Cruise ever calls it quits. The writers' intentions may not always be so clear, but the prospect of a new face at the helm feels inevitable, even if it means a blend of old and new, like having them handle shootouts and fist fights while Ethan continues to scale impossible heights.
"Final Reckoning" sees Ethan rounding up a new team before splitting off to investigate a sunken submarine during a deep-sea stunt, while his comrades fight off Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. As these movies build upon their predecessors, it's natural to consider this approach as a potential blueprint for the future if Cruise maintains his lust for adrenaline-fueled action until his body decides otherwise.
Another possibility exists, as Cruise has inked a deal with Warner Bros. to develop and produce films, including a project with Alejandro González Iñárritu and perhaps another installment of "Edge of Tomorrow." With this agreement, Paramount could potentially keep "Mission: Impossible" chugging along without Cruise for a film or two, giving audiences time to miss Ethan while getting invested in new or returning characters. Then, it could be a truly epic homecoming.
Failing that, we might see a new generation of action spies rise to prominence, filling the gaps left by the aging giants - the others being "Jason Bourne" and "James Bond," both of which are rumored to be rebooting, but with no concrete details as yet. "Fast & Furious" lurks nearby, but not quite in the same sphere.
The action scene is ripe for new talent, with several stars eager to dive headfirst into the trenches. Following his directorial debut in "Monkey Man," Dev Patel's next project is the medieval action-thriller "The Peasant." Simu Liu has his sights set on a "Sleeping Dogs" movie that'll put his martial arts skills to the test, and most intriguingly, Florence Pugh convinced Disney to let her jump off a skyscraper for a stunt in Marvel's current hit "Thunderbolts."
The focus on practical work, Pugh's willingness to get her hands dirty, reflects a hunger among the current crop of stars to make themselves indispensable for such demanding roles. Cruise has long advocated for aspiring actors to study old films and create specialized boot camps for his costars. "Mission: Impossible" has thrived on practical work, and several actors, like Pom Klementieff, seem to be heeding Cruise's advice. Audiences crave movies that look authentic and pulse with real excitement - qualities that action films tend to excel at. Whether studios will allow this to happen, though, remains to be seen.
Of course, there are other possibilities. Rumors of Glen Powell replacing Cruise have circulated, but the actor himself has denied these speculations. The franchise could also branch out into new characters or spin-offs, carrying forward the action-packed espionage narrative while introducing fresh perspectives. Renowned director Christopher McQuarrie has shown interest in continuing the series beyond the current narrative arc, so future installments might still be on the horizon, even if they don't follow Ethan Hunt directly.
Regardless of the future direction, one thing is clear: the door is open for exciting developments in the "Mission: Impossible" universe. Keep an eye out for updates on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC, and the future of Doctor Who - there's always something intriguing brewing in the world of entertainment.
Gizmodo and io9 might discuss the potential future of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, focusing on the possibility of new leading actors taking over from Tom Cruise, such as Dev Patel, Simu Liu, or Florence Pugh, following Cruise's emphasis on practical work and commitment to the series. In the realm of movies-and-tv entertainment, the question of who will continue Ethan Hunt's legacy remains a topic of interest, as studios grapple with the prospect of new and returning characters or spin-offs within the "Mission: Impossible" universe.
