Hollywood's Future in Action Cinema Post-'Mission: Impossible': A Look Ahead
In the finale of the long-running "Mission: Impossible" franchise, titled The Final Reckoning, the question on everyone's mind is not if Ethan Hunt's story will end, but what lies ahead. The series' star, Tom Cruise, has shown unwavering dedication to the franchise over three decades, which has fuelled speculation about his successor.
Following the introduction of co-leads like Rebecca Ferguson's Ilsa Faust, Hayley Atwell's Grace, and Henry Cavill's August Walker, there have been suggestions that these characters serve as potential replacements for Cruise. While no definitive plans have been announced, the possibility of a new protagonist taking over remains likely, even if the roles are split, with Ethan continuing to perform death-defying stunts while new characters handle more grounded action.
In The Final Reckoning, Ethan Hunt's latest team splits up, with Ethan investigating a submarine while his friends engage in a battle against Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. This approach, which has been a hallmark of the series, could provide a template for future films if Cruise chooses to continue leading the films until physical limitations force him to step back.
Alternatively, Cruise has secured a deal with Warner Bros. for future film projects, including a potential Edge of Tomorrow sequel, which could leave room for the Mission: Impossible franchise to continue without him. However, such a move would allow fans time to acclimate to new characters before Ethan's eventual return, setting the stage for a highly-anticipated legacy sequel.
In the broader action and espionage genre landscape, a void has emerged as other notable franchises, such as Jason Bourne and James Bond, consider new films. This gap could provide opportunities for lesser-known actors to make their mark in the genre.
Several actors, including Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh, have expressed interest in action roles. Their passion for practical effects and physical performances mirrors Cruise's own ideals, creating a new generation of performers who are poised to capture audiences' attention.
As the Mission: Impossible franchise, with its focus on realistic action and stylish storytelling, continues to thrive, the question remains: who will step up to carry on Ethan Hunt's legacy? Only time will tell as the series moves into uncharted territory.
Meanwhile, keep an eye out for upcoming releases in the Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and DC universes, as well as the future of Doctor Who.
Gizmodo recently discussed the potential successors to Tom Cruise in the Mission: Impossible franchise, with names like Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh raising interest due to their passion for practical effects and physical performances.
With the role of Ethan Hunt potentially up for grabs due to Cruise's future projects at Warner Bros., Io9 explored the possibility of a new protagonist taking over, suggesting that an approach similar to the series' split-team strategy could be a template for future films.
As the action and espionage genre landscape evolves, there's a void emerging, especially with the possible new films on the horizon for the Jason Bourne and James Bond franchises. This gap in the genre could offer lesser-known actors a chance to stake their claim, setting the stage for a new generation of action heroes.
