Hollywood's Future of Action Cinema Post 'Mission: Impossible'
In a significant turn of events, the end may be near for Ethan Hunt and the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, with Tom Cruise leading the charge one last time in "The Final Reckoning." Throughout the series' near three-decade run, Cruise has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the films, even as rumors swirled about successors such as Jeremy Renner's William Brandt, introduced in "Ghost Protocol."
Over the years, Cruise has shared the screen with co-leads like Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and Henry Cavill. These additions, some experts suggest, may be the franchise's attempt to find a suitable candidate to step in for Cruise when he decides to step down. The likelihood of a new protagonist emerging remains high, although it may involve a compromise, such as sharing action scenes while Cruise continues to perform his signature death-defying stunts.
"The Final Reckoning" sees Ethan gathering his latest team before splitting off to investigate a shipwrecked submarine, while his colleagues battle Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. The franchise's tendency to build upon its predecessors suggests that this could be the blueprint for the series' future, should Cruise continue to lead these films until his body can no longer cope.
Alternatively, Cruise has secured a deal with Warner Bros. to develop and produce films, including potential collaborations with Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and an "Edge of Tomorrow" sequel. If granted, this could provide an opportunity for Paramount to continue the "Mission: Impossible" franchise without Cruise for a few movies, allowing audiences to miss Ethan and grow attached to new or returning characters before his anticipated return.
However, the future of the action spy genre is uncertain. With several major franchises, including "Jason Bourne" and "James Bond," potentially limping towards their end, and a notable void left by the nonexistent Black Widow movie, any actor or director could potentially rise to prominence.
Recent developments suggest a new generation of actors eager for action roles. Following his directorial debut, Dev Patel is set to star in the medieval action-thriller "The Peasant," while Simu Liu aims to put his Shang-Chi training to use in a "Sleeping Dogs" adaptation. In the most intriguing development, Florence Pugh successfully convinced Disney to let her perform a skyscraper stunt for "Thunderbolts."
The focus on practical work in "Mission: Impossible" has been one of the series' greatest strengths, and it seems that several actors, such as Pom Klementieff, are taking inspiration from Tom Cruise's advice and commitment to physical work. As audiences clamor for tactile, genuine thrills, it remains to be seen whether studios will provide the opportunities for actors and creatives to deliver these experiences.
In other news, keep an eye out for future installments of "Marvel," "Star Wars," and "Star Trek," along with developments in the "DC Universe" and the future of "Doctor Who." For more updates, visit io9.
Tom Cruise's potential departure from the "Mission: Impossible" franchise could pave the way for new actors to take on action-thriller roles, as seen with Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh. This shift might be influenced by Cruise's practical work ethos, which is highly regarded in the series. followers of io9 can stay updated on future developments in movies, technology, entertainment, including "Marvel," "Star Wars," "Star Trek," and the "DC Universe," among others. Additionally, Gizmodo may provide insights into the future of the action spy genre and the upcoming "Edge of Tomorrow" sequille.
