Hollywood's Next Action Course after 'Mission: Impossible': What Lies Ahead for Cinema Thrills?
After nearly three decades, the seventh installment of the "Mission: Impossible" series, "The Final Reckoning," may mark the end of Ethan Hunt's cinematic escapades. Speculation about the franchise's future has long hovered around the question of who will replace Tom Cruise, the series' undisputed driving force.
Cruise has consistently indicated his commitment to the franchise, with rumors surfacing regarding Jeremy Renner's potential takeover if Cruise chose to retire. Although such a transition never materialized, Cruise has consistently been paired with a co-lead since "Ghost Protocol," including Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and Henry Cavill. These introductions have seemingly served as attempts to win over audiences with potential candidates to succeed an aging Cruise, even as he continues to perform death-defying stunts.
In "The Final Reckoning," Hunt gathers a new team, with Hunt himself embarking on a deep-sea mission to investigate a shipwrecked submarine while his allies battle Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. The series has a tradition of building upon its predecessors, and if Cruise insists on continuing as the films' lead, this format could persist, with Hunt handling ground combat while performing death-defying stunts.
Alternatively, Cruise has inked a deal to develop and produce films for Warner Bros., including a potential "Edge of Tomorrow" sequel. This could potentially provide an opportunity for the "Mission: Impossible" franchise to continue without Cruise for a film or two, allowing audiences to miss Ethan Hunt while growing attached to new or returning characters. Cruise's return for a properly planned event sequel could then create a momentous occasion, providing a potential legacy sequel similar to "Top Gun: Maverick."
In the absence of Cruise, various actors have expressed interest in action roles, such as Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh. The focus on practical work, a cornerstone of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, has gained traction among modern actors. Audiences appear willing to attend the theater if the action is presented realistically, setting the stage for the next generation of action spy movies. Whether studios will facilitate such opportunities remains to be seen.
As with any successful franchise, the "Mission: Impossible" series will continue to captivate audiences, with upcoming releases in popular franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek generating significant interest. The future of the DC Universe on film and television also holds promise. In the realm of "Doctor Who," a new era awaits with the thirteen-episode eleventh season. For those eager for more action, edge-of-your-seat thrills are just around the corner.
- If Tom Cruise decides to step back from the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, Gizmodo might discuss potential replacements, given his consistency as the series' driving force.
- In the event of Cruise's departure, Movies-and-TV might explore the possibilities of a 'Mission: Impossible' spin-off, as fans eagerly anticipate the introduction of new or returning characters as the lead.
- As speculation swirls around the future of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, io9 could delve into the impact of practical action and technology on the entertainment industry, particularly the appeal of realistic action sequences to modern audiences.
