Hollywood's Future in the Action Genre Post-'Mission: Impossible': A Look Ahead
Rebooting the Impossible: After nearly three decades, Ethan Hunt and the Mission: Impossible franchise seem to be gearing up for a restart. Tom Cruise, the heart and soul of the series, has pledged his unwavering commitment to these movies, but whispers of retirement still circulate. Rumors of a new lead replacing Cruise have been rumbling since Jeremy Renner's introduction as William Brandt in Ghost Protocol. While nothing has materialized, the series has introduced several co-leads, such as Rebecca Ferguson's Ilsa Faust, Hayley Atwell's Grace, and Henry Cavill's August Walker, subtly hinting at possible changes.
Each of these actors, even Cavill, has had their moment to shine, showcasing their potential to step into Ethan Hunt's shoes. It's a tantalizing tease, planting seeds of anticipation for a new era. Some fans speculate that a new protagonist might take over, handling shootouts and fistfights while Ethan continues to perform death-defying stunts - a setup that The Final Reckoning already employs.
In recent years, Tom Cruise has secured a deal with Warner Bros. to develop and produce films, including a project with Alejandro González Iñárritu and possibly an Edge of Tomorrow sequel. This opens up the possibility for Mission: Impossible to continue without Cruise for a film or two, giving audiences a chance to miss their beloved hero while becoming invested in a new or familiar cast of characters. Then, when Ethan returns, it could be a spectacular homecoming, creating a legacy sequel rivaling the impact of Top Gun: Maverick.
Should Cruise's involvement come to an end, the action-spy genre could witness a revitalization, with a slew of new faces ready to make their mark. Actors like Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh have shown a hunger for action roles, pushing for practical work and eschewing CGI-heavy spectacles. As the remnants of the action-spy genre's big franchises - Jason Bourne, James Bond, and the undecided Fast & Furious - remain in limbo, the stage could be set for a new generation of action stars to rise.
Among potential candidates for the Mission: Impossible lead role, Glen Powell, who worked alongside Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), has been mentioned as a frontrunner. Others with compelling action credentials include Henry Golding, Noah Centineo, Chris Hemsworth, and Michael B. Jordan. Ultimately, the choice would depend on the franchise's direction and the unique dynamic the new lead could bring to the table.
Stay tuned for updates on the future of Mission: Impossible and other anticipated releases, including the next chapters of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and the evolving DC Universe on film and TV, as well as the future of Doctor Who.
Gizmodo and io9 have speculated that the future of Mission: Impossible may see a new lead represent the franchise, as Tom Cruise's potential retirement continues to be a topic of discussion. Some names floated for the role include Glen Powell, Henry Golding, Noah Centineo, Chris Hemsworth, and Michael B. Jordan. The evolution of the action-spy genre could be revitalized with a new generation of action stars, such as Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh, taking on leading roles. These developments promise an exciting future for fans of movies-and-tv, entertainment, and franchise entertainment, as they eagerly await updates on hit productions like Marvel, Star Wars, and Doctor Who.
