After making its grand debut at Cannes last week, "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" embarked on a global odyssey, culminating in a star-studded premiere in New York on Sunday evening. As the eighth installment in the beloved "Mission: Impossible" saga, "The Final Reckoning" marks Tom Cruise's swansong as Ethan Hunt, a fact Cruise himself confirmed on the glamorous red carpet, asserting to The Hollywood Reporter, "This is indeed the final chapter! It's not named 'final' for nothing."
Recalling his words two years ago, where he expressed admiration for Harrison Ford's enduring career at 80 and aspirations to continue the "Mission: Impossible" films till he reached Ford's age, Cruise addressed THR's inquiry about his changing stance, now aged 62. "I actually said I'd be making movies into my 80s," he corrected, "in fact, I aim to keep going till I'm a hundred!"
"I will never cease," he continued with fervor. "Never abandon action, never shy away from drama, comedy films – they all ignite my passion. I'm thrilled!" Reflecting on nearly three decades of the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, which debuted in 1996, Cruise admitted that pinpointing the most rewarding aspect was impossible, as "there have been myriad layers of fulfillment – from collaborating with exceptional filmmakers, the dedicated crews, the diverse individuals, and the vibrant cultures we've immersed ourselves in. Everything I've learned and continue to learn about storytelling, life's lessons, leadership, character development, and every facet of filmmaking has been nothing short of extraordinary. I'm profoundly grateful to create the films I do; it's a labor of love, and I'm just making movies for the sheer joy of it."
When it comes to any rituals he indulges in before tackling the colossal stunts of the film, the leading man cracked a joke, saying, "There's an array of pre-stunt customs that keep me breathing — they hinge on what stunts I'm pulling off and the depth of preparation I need to undertake. Much deliberation is poured into these routines; they're exceedingly intricate and fascinating."
Joining him in "The Final Reckoning" are an ensemble cast comprising Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Greg Tarzan Davis, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Charles Parnell, Holt McCallany, Nick Offerman, Tramell Tillman, and Katy O’Brian. Christopher McQuarrie returns to the director's chair for his fourth installment in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise. At the premiere, he recounted his collaborative journey with Cruise, labeling him, "The most selfless, the most game for anything. Whether he grasps it instantly or not, he's utterly prepared to dive headfirst into it, irrespective of whether he feels ready or not. He's a remarkable mentor and an equally extraordinary learner."
