Hollywood's Future in Action Genres Post-'Mission: Impossible'
In the wake of "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," speculation surrounding potential successors for Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt has reemerged. While Cruise has shown no signs of relinquishing his role, questions about the franchise's future persist.
Tom Cruise's unwavering commitment to the series has been evident throughout the films, with numerous death-defying stunts and multiple on-screen deaths. Rumors surfaced during the production of "Ghost Protocol" suggesting Jeremy Renner, who played William Brandt, could step into the lead role if Cruise were to retire. However, these rumors never materialized, and Renner remained a supporting character.
Since "Ghost Protocol," Cruise has shared the screen with other leading actors, including Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and Henry Cavill. These actors have been introduced as potential replacements for an aging Cruise, demonstrating their action prowess in various stunts and fight scenes. While it remains unclear if this was the writers' intent, the possibility of a new protagonist is a recurring theme.
In the latest installment, Ethan Hunt divides his team and embarks on a deep-sea mission to investigate a shipwrecked submarine. Meanwhile, other team members engage in combat against Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. The series, which has consistently built upon its predecessors, may continue this structure if Cruise remains committed to leading the films.
Alternatively, Cruise has secured a deal with Warner Bros. to develop and produce films, including a potential sequel to "Edge of Tomorrow." If Cruise allows it, Paramount could continue "Mission: Impossible" Without him for a few movies, giving audiences time to miss Ethan Hunt and become invested in new or returning characters. This approach could culminate in an eventual Ethan Hunt return, creating a legacy sequel akin to the success of "Top Gun: Maverick."
Without Cruise, the action spy genre may witness new entrants filling the void left by "Mission: Impossible." Other big franchises, such as Jason Bourne and James Bond, are also considering new films, but no concrete plans have been announced. With numerous action-oriented actors expressing interest in the genre, the future of the action spy genre is promising.
Recently, several actors have expressed a desire to perform practical stunts, following in Cruise's footsteps. For instance, Florence Pugh, star of Marvel's "Thunderbolts," has demonstrated her commitment to physical action by jumping off a skyscraper for a stunt in the film. This emphasis on practical work has been a defining feature of "Mission: Impossible," and it appears that a new generation of actors is ready to embrace it.
As the future of "Mission: Impossible" remains uncertain, potential contenders for the role of Ethan Hunt include Jeremy Renner, Glen Powell, and newcomers eager to make a name for themselves in the action genre. Whether the franchise continues with a new lead or explores other storylines within the "Mission: Impossible" universe remains to be seen.
Gizmodo recently published an article speculating about the future of the action spy genre, considering potential successors for Tom Cruise in the "Mission: Impossible" series. Io9, another entertainment site, highlighted the recurring theme of a new protagonist in the latest installment of the franchise. As more actors, such as Florence Pugh, express a desire to perform practical stunts, the action-oriented genre could witness a new wave of entrants filling the void left by "Mission: Impossible." This includes names like Jeremy Renner, Glen Powell, and others aspiring to make a name for themselves in the action genre, as depicted in the 'Movies-and-TV' section of the entertainment world.
