‘Mission: Impossible’ Fans’ Brutally Honest Wish For Tom Cruise’s Franchise Amid Glen Powell Rumors
- Tom Cruise's role in 'Mission: Impossible 8' may be his final one in the franchise.
- Fans react to the rumors of Glen Powell possibly taking over Cruise’s role.
- Tom Cruise has expressed hopes to continue the series, citing Harrison Ford’s longevity as inspiration.
For nearly three decades, the Mission: Impossible franchise has been associated with heights of risk, making Tom Cruise synonymous with the character of Ethan Hunt. From hanging off planes to climbing the tallest building in the world, Cruise has redefined the action genre in filmmaking.
Now, as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning prepares for this release, fans are already speculating on what’s next. As the title is already hinting at the closure of the franchise, the audience is concerned about the future of Hunt, and it seems like Glen Powell has a strong opinion about it.
Glen Powell’s Response to Replacement Rumors Sparks Fan Reaction
The possibility of Glen Powell taking over the Mission: Impossible franchise has once again made headlines after newsletter writer Jeff Sneider stated that Powell could possibly be Tom Cruise‘s successor.
However, these rumors ended quickly thanks to the humorous take of Powell during The Pat McAfee Show, where he denied the speculation. When asked about the rumor, Powell said, “My mom would never let me do that,” further saying that the stunt-intensive series is actually the “worst gig in town, everybody knows that.”
This playful reference to Cruise’s commitment to performing risky stunts speaks about Powell’s understanding of the franchise’s traditions. Moreover, most of the fans online are not very keen to see anyone taking up Cruise’s place and want him to retire from the role respectfully.
I think tome cruise is the best choice, they should close this franchise after his retirement
— The Philosopher (@25_adult) November 12, 2024
Dude just end the franchise wtf. Not every franchise needs to continue forever
— 4KT WHO YOU HATE (@royal_bobby24) November 12, 2024
Its like Indiana Jones, no one else can do it.
— Joel Squire (@JoelTSquire) November 12, 2024
Just let the franchise go after Tom walk away man respectfully no one is taking his place. Powell is a great actor,tho. Loved him in Maverick and Twisters.
— 優木 せつ菜 🇯🇵 | Love Live Superstar S3 SZN (@Nljigakulive) November 12, 2024
It ends with Cruise. There’s no replacement
— All Outta Bubblegum 🇺🇸 (@Jarvis2503) November 13, 2024
The connection between Powell and Cruise runs deep. Their collaboration in Top Gun: Maverick perhaps made many believe that Powell could be a good successor. Mission: Impossible 8 will bring Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Vanessa Kirby back in the movie and will probably give a proper sendoff to the group.
Mission: Impossible 8 Might Actually Be Tom Cruise’s Last Mission
The marketing for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is not trying to hide the end of the franchise. Changing the title from Dead Reckoning Part Two to The Final Reckoning also says a lot about the studio’s plan for this part.
This has been followed up by dialogues in the just-released teaser trailer, which further solidifies the speculation. Tom Cruise’s line “I need you to trust me, one last time,” might be holding literal significance here. Another character later tells Hunt, “Everything you were, everything you’ve done has come to this.”
It is as if the writers wanted to assert that the movie would be a definitive conclusion of the franchise. Moreover, it also seems to be increasing the stakes of the plot higher than before. The Final Reckoning will show Hunt’s efforts against a powerful artificial intelligence threat, The Entity, which is hidden in an old Russian submarine.
This technological threat, added to the return of Gabriel, could be Hunt’s most difficult mission so far. However, it seems like Cruise himself wants to perform the role further. In an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, Cruise referenced Harrison Ford’s long tenure as Indiana Jones, saying,
Harrison Ford is a legend, I hope to be still going, I’ve got 20 years to catch up with him. I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until I’m his age.
However, as per The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Pictures wants Mission: Impossible 8 to be promoted as the final installment of the franchise. It is yet to be seen if it actually happens or if the potential success of the movie motivates the makers for one more mission.
Mission: Impossible 8 will be released worldwide in theaters on May 23, 2025.
