Hollywood's Action Trajectory Post-'Mission: Impossible': What Lies Ahead?
In a landmark moment for the renowned "Mission: Impossible" franchise, Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt is set to hang up his trademark mask in "The Final Reckoning." As speculation swirls about the future of the series, several characters increasingly appear poised to take the reins.
Tom Cruise, the undisputed face of the franchise, has expressed his unwavering dedication to the movies, suggesting he may remain involved behind the scenes even after his on-screen departure. The possibility of him passing the torch has long been a topic of discussion, especially after the introduction of Jeremy Renner as William Brandt in "Ghost Protocol."
However, throughout the series, Cruise has been joined by a series of co-stars primed to challenge him for the leading role, including Rebecca Ferguson's Ilsa Faust (introduced in "Rogue Nation"), Hayley Atwell's Grace (in "Dead Reckoning"), and Henry Cavill's August Walker (in "Fallout"). Each newcomer has enjoyed their own share of action scenes, hinting at their potential to succeed Cruise as the franchise's central figure.
In "The Final Reckoning," Ethan Hunt assembles a new team before striking out on a solo mission to investigate a submerged submarine. Meanwhile, his team engages in a battle against Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. The series' pattern of building upon its predecessors suggests that Cruise's departure could pave the way for a new protagonist, with a delicate balance being maintained—allowing for continuity while offering a fresh perspective.
Nevertheless, rumors are circulating about Tom Cruise's plans to develop and produce films for Warner Bros., potentially including a collaboration with Alejandro González Iñárritu and a sequel to "Edge of Tomorrow." If Cruise were to step away from "Mission: Impossible" temporarily, Paramount could continue the franchise without him, giving audiences time to connect with a new or returning set of characters.
In such a scenario, the anticipated return of Ethan Hunt could serve as a high-profile event, mirroring the success of "Top Gun: Maverick." It's worth noting that "Mission: Impossible" is one of the few remaining action spy franchises with significant potential for growth, with others like "Jason Bourne" and "James Bond" occasionally teasing future installments but yet to confirm concrete plans.
The potential departure of "Mission: Impossible" could leave a noticeable gap in the action spy genre, inviting new talents to step into the limelight. Several actors have recently shown interest in pushing the boundaries of action cinema, such as Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh. Pugh's determination to perform a skyscraper stunt in "Thunderbolts" highlights the new generation's hunger for physically demanding roles that provide authentic and immersive experiences.
The question of who will carry the torch for future "Mission: Impossible" entries remains unanswered as of now. However, characters such as Ilsa Faust, Benji Dunn, and Paris could all present compelling options to lead the franchise in a new and exciting direction.
For updates on the future of "Mission: Impossible" and other action cinema, stay tuned to io9 for news on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who releases.
- Gizmodo reported on the speculation surrounding the future of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, with Tom Cruise's possible departure opening doors for new characters such as Ilsa Faust, Benji Dunn, and Paris.
- In light of Tom Cruise's plans to produce films for Warner Bros., rumors suggest that the "Mission: Impossible" franchise may continue without him, providing opportunities for actors like Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh to push the boundaries of action cinema.
- With the potential departure of Tom Cruise from the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, movies-and-tv enthusiasts and entertainment specialists at io9 are keeping a close eye on the developments, anticipating the path the series might take in the future.
