Is Tom Cruise truly prepared to bid adieu to the iconic "Mission: Impossible" franchise? It seems he may have inadvertently revealed his intentions ahead of his next cinematic endeavor. The 62-year-old actor, who has donned the role of Ethan Hunt since Brian De Palma's groundbreaking "Mission: Impossible" film in 1996, is on the verge of starring in the franchise's eighth installment, titled "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning."
Following its premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, Cruise took to the stage to express his heartfelt gratitude to the fans who have supported the "Mission: Impossible" saga over the years. However, his subsequent remarks hinted at an intriguing shift in his cinematic future.
"It has surpassed our wildest dreams," Cruise enthused, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. "It has been an honor and a delight beyond measure. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with you all on a plethora of different film projects. The excitement is palpable!"
Just a matter of months prior, "The Final Reckoning's" director, Christopher McQuarrie, had expressed his desire for this latest film to serve as a "fulfilling culmination of a 30-year narrative journey" for Ethan Hunt. While Cruise's return for another "Mission: Impossible" adventure cannot be ruled out entirely, his plate is already brimming with other enticing prospects, notably another sequel to "Top Gun."
"It took me three and a half decades to crack the code of 'Top Gun: Maverick,' and now we're delving into discussions about sequels to 'Days of Thunder' and further adventures in 'Top Gun' territory," Cruise revealed. "There are numerous other films in various stages of development that are occupying my creative space right now."
"I'm perpetually engaged in the cycle of filming, preparing for shoots, and post-production. Recently, I wrapped up a project with Alejandro Iñárritu, the visionary behind 'The Revenant,' which was a transformative experience," he added.
One thing is certain: Cruise's cinematic journey is far from over. However, the horizon for his tenure as Ethan Hunt appears increasingly uncertain and fraught with anticipation.
