Is Tom Cruise Done Making ‘Mission Impossible’ Films?

In the mid-90s, Paramount Pictures embarked on the ambitious project of adapting the iconic 60s and 80s television series, Mission: Impossible, into a blockbuster film. To the delight of fans worldwide, Tom Cruise, a devoted admirer of the original show, embraced the opportunity and made Mission: Impossible the debut project for his newly-founded production company, Cruise/Wagner Productions.

A Trailblazing Franchise

Since its inception, Mission: Impossible has evolved into one of the most successful and enduring action film franchises in cinematic history. With Tom Cruise donning the lead role of Ethan Hunt and actively producing the films, the franchise has enjoyed a remarkable run for nearly three decades. The recent release of the seventh installment thrilled audiences, and anticipation builds for the eighth installment scheduled for June 2024. However, amidst all the excitement, fans wonder whether Tom Cruise is ready to bid farewell to this iconic movie series and venture into new cinematic territories.

Tom Cruise’s Staggering Earnings

Over the years, Tom Cruise’s involvement with the Mission: Impossible franchise has proven to be a lucrative endeavor. The actor’s star power has earned him a place among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. This year alone, his earnings reportedly reached an impressive $100 million, contributing to his remarkable net worth, rumored to be around $600 million.

Cruise’s negotiation prowess and dedication to the franchise have also played a pivotal role in amassing his fortune. For his portrayal of Ethan Hunt in the 1996 Mission: Impossible film, Paramount paid the actor a substantial $70 million, which proved to be a wise investment as the movie grossed over $450 million worldwide.

Daring Stunts and Unparalleled Dedication

One of the defining features of the Mission: Impossible film franchise is its breathtaking stunts and action sequences. From heart-stopping fight scenes to awe-inspiring cinematography, the movies have consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in action filmmaking. Central to this extraordinary spectacle is Tom Cruise’s unwavering commitment to performing his own stunts, eschewing the use of stunt doubles.

The actor’s dedication to authenticity and creating truly immersive cinematic experiences led him to train extensively for over 30 years to master various stunts. His hands-on approach to these death-defying feats has allowed filmmakers to capture exhilarating shots from unique angles, elevating the overall quality of the movies.

Risking It All for Great Cinema

Despite the meticulous planning and coordination with directors and stunt coordinators, Tom Cruise’s commitment to performing stunts puts him in harm’s way at times. The actor has faced perilous situations while shooting some of the franchise’s most memorable scenes. In Mission: Impossible – Fallout, for instance, he clung to a flying helicopter, had multiple falls, and even broke his ankle during a daring building-to-building jump.

The behind-the-scenes stories of Cruise’s tenacity and bravery highlight the lengths to which he goes to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience to the audience. The dedication and sacrifice of the actor and the entire crew are evident in the final product that audiences have come to adore.

The Future of Mission: Impossible

Given the risks involved in filming the Mission: Impossible movies, one might wonder if Tom Cruise is contemplating stepping away from the franchise after the forthcoming installment. However, fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the actor has expressed no intention of halting his involvement anytime soon.

At 61 years old, Cruise sees a long-lasting future for the Mission: Impossible series, much like Harrison Ford’s ongoing journey with the Indiana Jones films. The actor humorously remarks that he has “20 years to catch up with him [Harrison Ford],” expressing his desire to continue making Mission: Impossible films well into his 80s.

Conclusion

Tom Cruise’s unwavering commitment to the Mission: Impossible franchise has elevated the series to unparalleled heights. Not only has he reaped immense financial rewards from the venture, but he has also created a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most dedicated and daring actors.

As the release of the eighth Mission: Impossible film draws closer, fans can rest assured that Tom Cruise remains firmly committed to the beloved franchise, ensuring that the action-packed adventures of Ethan Hunt will continue to thrill audiences for years to come.

The follow-up to Ethan Hunt’s deadliest mission yet is currently set to arrive in less than a year, with the current release date for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two set for Friday, June 28, 2024. However, there is a strong possibility that the date may be pushed back.