Following the release of "Mission: Impossible", Hollywood's action genre appears to be pointing towards an intriguing future.
After nearly three decades, "Mission: Impossible" reaches a potential conclusion with "The Final Reckoning," raising the question of what lies ahead for the acclaimed franchise. For years, this question has loomed over the series, and recent developments have brought several possibilities to light.
Tom Cruise, the embodiment of the series, has consistently demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the movies, even as his character, Ethan Hunt, faces his potential swan song. The presence of co-stars like Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and Henry Cavill throughout the later films suggests an attempt to introduce potential successors.
The ensemble's co-stars, including Ferguson's Ilsa Faust, have been introduced as foils or mirrors to Ethan, showcasing their abilities in at least one stunt or action scene, laying the groundwork for a possible new lead. Whether this was intentional from the writers or not, the likelihood of a new protagonist emerging seems probable, even if it means Ethan and the newcomer sharing the spotlight.
As the team reunites for one last mission, Ethan embarks on a deep-sea investigation, while his allies confront Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. The series has a history of building upon its predecessors, which could be a sign of the way forward if Cruise continues to lead the films until his own body dictates otherwise.
However, Cruise recently secured a deal to develop and produce films for Warner Bros., including a potential "Edge of Tomorrow" sequel. If given the opportunity, Paramount could keep "Mission: Impossible" going without Cruise, allowing audiences to miss Ethan as they grow accustomed to new or returning characters. This approach could then culminate in a highly-anticipated return for Ethan and Cruise, creating a legacy sequel akin to "Top Gun: Maverick."
Absent this scenario, the upcoming years could witness a rise of action spy movies, following the trend of woman-led films filling the absence left by the lack of a Black Widow movie until 2021. "Mission: Impossible" represents one of the last major action spy franchises still active, with early indications of new films for "Jason Bourne" and "James Bond." If Cruise steps back, a new crop of actors or directors could potentially capture the spotlight.
Recently, several actors have displayed a desire for physical work, mirroring Cruise's advocacy for practical stunts. Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh are among those eager to take on action roles, with Pugh even persuading Disney to let her perform a daring skyscraper stunt in "Thunderbolts."
The focus on practical work has long been a key strength of "Mission: Impossible," and it appears that a new generation of actors is taking notice. Audiences have consistently shown a preference for action movies that offer realism, a quality the franchise has frequently embodied. However, whether studios will give these actors and creatives the opportunity to deliver such authentic thrills remains to be seen.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for upcoming releases in the Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and DC universes, as well as potential new developments for "Doctor Who."
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Gizmodo might share insights on the potential new faces in the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, as a new generation of actors, like Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh, show interest in action roles. With the production deal between Tom Cruise and Warner Bros., it's also possible that Io9 could cover a possible 'Mission: Impossible' continuation without Cruise. As the future of action spy movies unfolds, fans can look forward to movies-and-tv content on various entertainment platforms, such as Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and DC universes, as well as potential 'Doctor Who' updates.
