Predicting the Direction of Action Films in Hollywood After 'Mission: Impossible'
After nearly three decades, "Mission: Impossible" and its iconic lead Ethan Hunt seem to be nearing an end with "The Final Reckoning." As speculation swirls about the franchise's future, the question lingers: what's next for the series that has become synonymous with Tom Cruise?
Cruise, who has been the face of the franchise since its inception, has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the films. Although rumors persisted that Jeremy Renner's character, William Brandt, might transition into the lead role if Cruise stepped back, this never materialized. From "Ghost Protocol" and onward, Cruise has shared the screen with co-leads, including Rebecca Ferguson's Ilsa Faust, Hayley Atwell's Grace, and Henry Cavill's August Walker.
Each co-lead has been introduced as a potential candidate to step in for an aging Cruise, serving as a foil or mirror to Ethan Hunt. While it remains unclear whether this was the writers' intent, the likelihood of a new protagonist emerging seems feasible, particularly if Ethan continues to perform death-defying stunts while the new character handles more grounded action sequences.
In "The Final Reckoning," Ethan gathers a new team, splitting off to investigate a shipwrecked submarine, while his team battles Russian special forces on St. Matthew's Island. This film continues the series' tradition of building upon its predecessors, suggesting a possible way forward if Cruise is determined to lead the films until his physical capabilities dictate otherwise.
Alternatively, Cruise has secured a deal with Warner Bros. to develop and produce films, including a potential "Edge of Tomorrow" sequel. If allowed, Paramount could potentially keep "Mission: Impossible" going without Cruise for a film or two. This would give audiences time to miss Ethan while becoming invested in a new or returning cast, setting the stage for a grand return when Cruise is ready.
If Cruise's departure from the franchise is permanent, a vacuum may emerge in the action spy genre, with few remaining big franchises, such as "Jason Bourne" and "James Bond." With this gap, a new actor or director could potentially make a name for themselves by stepping into the role of an action spy.
Several actors appear to be showing an increasing interest in action roles. Following his directorial debut, Dev Patel has announced a medieval action-thriller, "The Peasant." Simu Liu is planning a "Sleeping Dogs" movie, and Florence Pugh convinced Disney to allow her to perform a skyscraper stunt in "Thunderbolts."
These developments show a hunger among actors to engage in physically demanding roles, echoing Cruise's calls for younger actors to prepare through studying old movies and attending boot camps. A focus on practical work has been one of "Mission: Impossible's" greatest strengths, and it appears that a number of actors are taking Cruise's advice to heart. The future of the action spy genre could depend on studios providing opportunities for such authentic, thrilling action sequences.
- Gizmodo reports that with Tom Cruise's potential departure from the Mission: Impossible franchise, a void might opening up in the action spy genre, leaving fewer major franchises like Jason Bourne and James Bond.
- As more actors, such as Dev Patel, Simu Liu, and Florence Pugh, express interest in action roles and advocate for practical work, io9 foresees a chance for a new actor or director to rise and potentially fill the gap left by Mission: Impossible.
- If Paramount decides to continue the Mission: Impossible series without Tom Cruise for a short while, it could potentially present a unique opportunity for the franchise, allowing fans to miss Ethan Hunt while becoming invested in a new cast, eventually setting the stage for a grand return of Cruise when he's ready.
