Tom Cruise is reportedly planning to leave the action franchise after Mission: Impossible 7. Did that sentence make you gasp in surprise?
There is no denying that the Mission: Impossible films rank among the best action-spy films of all time. Cruise’s portrayal of the lead character, Ethan Hunt, is also praised internationally. The film is known for its breathtaking fight scenes and jaw-dropping stunts.
Since the 1996 release of Mission: Impossible, the 61-year-old action star has served more than two decades successfully playing the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) agent. Thus, in recent years, fans have grown to adore the action series and Cruise’s performance as Hunt.
But alas, the Jack Reacher star will, per the recent report, depart the action series following Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Parts 1 and 2. Well, this news was enough to disappoint the franchise’s die-hard followers.
Tom Cruise to Leave the Mission: Impossible Film Series
The potential last entry in Tom Cruise‘s enthralling movie series, Mission: Impossible 7 is expected to make it in theaters soon.
After Top Gun: Maverick’s enormous success in 2022, Cruise successfully drew in a new group of followers who are wholeheartedly anticipating the release of Mission Impossible 7. Therefore, it has the capability to surpass all prior entries in the series.
Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise in the Mission: Impossible films, is considerably cherished. He has become quite the hot shot in the eyes of both fans and critics, thanks to his impressive stunt work and top-notch acting. The 61-year-old actor, who has been a main character in the Christopher McQuarrie series for more than 20 years, is reportedly leaving the series.
The Outsiders actor was recently questioned about whether or not the rumors that he would be entirely leaving the Mission: Impossible franchise. Cruise addressed the reports by saying:
“You know, I can’t tell you right now. I want to enjoy this moment right now, and it’s Part One and Part 2. This is a big action-adventure movie for everyone and I look forward to seeing it.”
Well, it should be noted that Cruise did not confirm the claims, but he also did not deny them. Therefore, it is doubtful whether this will be his last time playing the character and performing those daring stunts in the Mission: Impossible series.
Who Almost Replaced Tom Cruise In Mission: Impossible Series?
While Tom Cruise continues to be the fan’s favorite to play Ethan Hunt, some reports indicate that Jeremy Renner came very close to replacing the 61-year-old actor.
Rumor has it that after Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the Marvel actor was supposed to succeed Cruise. Renner, who played William Brandt in the film, was considered to be the next possible leading man in the franchise, taking Cruise’s place as the new face.
In addition to Renner, there has not been much of an effort to find a new replacement for the leading character. Fans adore Rebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa Faust, but it is not expected that she will take over the franchise after Cruise leaves.
It is also to be noted that Top Gun: Maverick did not experience the same struggle as Mission: Impossible in introducing the Jerry Maguire actor’s replacement. This is because the follow-up provided audiences with two new characters who could fill the void. The plot of the film was centered on Maverick’s promise to mentor a newer generation of pilots and the notion of passing the baton.
Moreover, the movie spent a lot of time introducing Rooster (Miles Teller) and Hangman (Glen Powell), even though Maverick still plays a significant role in Top Gun: Maverick’s ending.
Let us see who might be a contender to replace The Mummy star in the spy-action series.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is arriving in theaters on July 12, 2023.
Source: Entertainment Tonight; Screen Rant
