Hollywood's Action Films Post-'Mission: Impossible': Where Do They Head Next?
With Tom Cruise hanging up his mission Impossible suit after The Final Reckoning, the big question on everyone's mind is who's next to take on the mantle of Ethan Hunt. Let's dive into the prospects and narratives that hint at the possible directions for the franchise's future.
Tom Cruise, the heart and soul of the series, has continually reaffirmed his commitment to this action-packed franchise. However, rumors have swirled for years about potential replacements, especially with the addition of co-stars like Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and Henry Cavill as foils or mirrors for Ethan. Although Jeremy Renner's character, William Brandt, was initially set to potentially take over, such a transition never materialized likely due to Cruise's unyielding passion for these films.
While some characters, such as Simmons Pegg's Benji Dunn or Ving Rhames' Luther Stickell, may step up as team leaders, there's no indication of any character ready to assume a solo lead role just yet. However, newer cast members like Atwell's Grace and Pom Klementieff's Paris have been given increased screentime and character development, potentially setting them up for more significant roles in future installments.
Another possibility is the introduction of an entirely new protagonist to carry on the spy legacy, though no official announcements have been made. The franchise might also transition to a more ensemble-led approach, similar to how other series have adapted after the departure of their main characters.
In all likelihood, Cruise himself may have a say in the outcome. With a deal established to develop films for Warner Bros., including a studio with Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu and possibly an Edge of Tomorrow sequel, Paramount could potentially keep the Mission: Impossible franchise going without him for a movie or two. This would provide time for audiences to miss Ethan while becoming invested in new or returning characters, culminating in a proper eventual return for a legacy sequel.
The future of the Mission: Impossible franchise is still uncertain. The question of who will take over remains a mystery, and only time will tell if Paramount and the creative team will provide any concrete plans for a direct successor to Tom Cruise. In the meantime, audiences can look forward to a potential evolution of the series, be it spin-offs, prequels, or new storylines that don't center on Ethan Hunt, allowing a refreshed cast and narrative to emerge.
- io9 and Gizmodo have speculated about the future of the Mission: Impossible franchise, with a potential new protagonist to carry on the spy legacy.
- In the evolving world of technology and entertainment, movies-and-tv.com has discussed the possibilities of an ensemble-led approach or spin-offs as potential directions for the series.
- With the potential for a reprisal of characters like Benji Dunn or Luther Stickell, or the introduction of new characters, the upcoming installments could offer fresh narratives that fan those who miss Ethan Hunt while offering a refreshing take on the Mission: Impossible franchise.
