post-Mission:Impossible, Hollywood's Action Cinema Direction
In the latest installment of the long-running action franchise, "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," tom Cruise's iconic character Ethan Hunt appears to be approaching his final mission. Yet, the question of what lies beyond this film has been a pervasive topic in the franchise for years, with various possibilities on the table.
As the face of the series, Cruise has consistently demonstrated his dedication to the films, reaffirming his commitment even as his co-stars have been speculated to potentially succeed him. One such example involves Jeremy Renner, who was initially rumored to take over as the series' lead if Cruise were to exit the franchise. However, these rumors never materialized, and since then, Cruise has been partnered with other stars such as Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and Henry Cavill. These newcomers have been introduced as potential successors, albeit unofficially, through their action-heavy scenes alongside Ethan Hunt.
The film sees Hunt dividing his team, with some investigating a shipwrecked submarine while others face off against Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. As the series builds upon its predecessors, this could serve as a blueprint for the franchise's future, particularly if Cruise intends to lead the films until his physical capabilities no longer allow it.
An alternative path could involve Cruise, who recently secured a deal to develop and produce films for Warner Bros., potentially stepping away from the franchise temporarily. This would give audiences time to miss Ethan Hunt while becoming invested in a new or returning cast of characters. Upon his return, it could create a significant event, giving both Cruise and the studio a chance at a legacy sequel similar in scale to "Top Gun: Maverick."
However, should Cruise decide to move on, the action-spy genre may see a void filled by emerging talent. Actors such as Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh have expressed interest in action roles, with some even going to great lengths to perform their own stunts. This leaning towards practical work has always been a strength of the "Mission: Impossible" series, and it appears that a new generation of actors is taking note.
As for the future of the franchise, it may explore several avenues. Potential paths include introducing a new lead character, branching out into spin-offs, or undergoing a creative reboot. Additionally, the franchise could expand into a shared universe, incorporating new characters and storylines. Ultimately, the "Mission: Impossible" series seems poised to continue captivating audiences with thrilling action and fresh ideas, regardless of who dons the mask and becomes the new Ethan Hunt.
Gizmodo recently discussed the potential future of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise after Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt. The Iowa-based entertainment site Io9 also delved into the possibilities, suggesting that upcoming actors like Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh could fill the void if Cruise were to depart. For movie enthusiasts eager for a glimpse into the movies-and-tv sphere, keeping abreast of such developments is a must-do. As the series continues to evolve, technology will play a significant role in shaping its future, presenting intriguing prospects for both creator and audience alike.
