Tom Cruise reportedly does not want to bid goodbye to his action-packed Mission: Impossible days just yet. Talking to the Sydney Morning Herald in early July, the actor, now 61, said that he hoped to continue making more Mission: Impossible films, similarly to how actor Harrison Ford carried on making films for the Indiana Jones franchise until he was 80. Referring to Ford as a legend, Cruise said, "I've got 20 years to catch up with him... I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until I'm his age."
Cruise has played the lead character of Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible films since the inception of the franchise back in 1996. The actor was 34 years old when he took on Hunt's field agent character. Since then, there have been seven Mission: Impossible films released to date, with Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One being released just this month. The second installment of Dead Reckoning is expected to release in 2024. Despite the success of the franchise and Cruise's thoughts on making films until he is 80, the question of whether or not the actor should actually do so remains.
Possibility of Franchise Fatigue
One pressing reason for Cruise to hang up his Ethan Hunt shoes after the release of Dead Reckoning Part Two in 2024 is the possibility of franchise fatigue for viewers. Given that the Mission: Impossible films have been around for more than two decades now, closing upon 30 years, the likelihood of viewers tiring from the storyline and faces of the franchise exists.
With the multi-billion dollar earning franchise having explored numerous adrenaline-inducing plots, with Cruise's Hunt involved in daredevil stunts and action-packed sequences, including working to prevent nuclear war, it almost feels like the franchise is doing all it can to add twists and turns to an age-old narrative of stopping the bad guys and doing what's right.
In fact, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One had quite a time going up against Barbenheimer. The franchise took a steep hit in the week following its initial release, recording its worst tumble on the charts. This may partly be due to the fact that audiences were drawn more to Barbie and Oppenheimer owing to the media hype surrounding the films and the fresh storylines of the movie. However, hopes are not completely lost for Dead Reckoning Part One, with the franchise still having a strong and loyal following and critics expecting the film to climb to a success once the hype for Barbenheimer steadies.
More Chances to Push the Limits
Mission: Impossible has always been regarded as a franchise that pushed limits, especially in respect of its stunts. The storyline has kept fans gripped in the thrill of its promises, holding viewers at the edge of their seats as the films swing from one nail-biting adventure to another.
Cruise has been long noted in the press for carrying out his own stunts, however daredevil they may be, increasing the excitement for the Mission: Impossible audience. The actor has also no doubt been one of the franchise's biggest points of attraction, with many flocking to see each new release owing to their high expectations of and trust in the actor's performance.
With a reputation for pushing limits, which remains true for both the film and Tom Cruise as an actor, Cruise's will to continue the franchise into his 80s definitely seems to be something that can be done. With repeated successes at the box office for the Mission: Impossible movies, moviegoers probably wouldn't be saying no to seeing what Cruise has up his sleeve for future films. It'll also be interesting to see how the actor pushes limits in navigating the character of Ethan Hunt with age.
What Do Fans Think?
Fans have had mixed opinions regarding whether or not Tom Cruise should follow in Harrison Ford's footsteps. While some believe that the franchise has exhausted all its avenues, others are more than ready to have a few more Mission: Impossible films come their way. Many are keen to see more of Cruise as Hunt, with viewers calling the Mission: Impossible films simple and entertaining fun.
The opinion that Tom Cruise should allow a younger actor to take over the reins of the franchise is also something that has been considered by fans. Cruise taking a slight step back from the core of action and playing more of a mentor role might give viewers something different to look forward to and a different perspective on Ethan Hunt's character. Expressing the opinion that the franchise might need a fresh take, Twitter user @RaifeDavis commented on Cruise's idea of continuing to make films for the franchise, saying:
"Only thing I could see them doing is passing the torch to a new lead character for future MI movies and just have @TomCruise appear in them occasionally just to keep the franchise connected to its roots. Thoughts?"
With his skill set, Tom Cruise is an actor who is well-equipped to continue making Mission: Impossible films. The reputation that the actor has garnered over the years, especially in regard to stunts, has kept fans loyal to the franchise for many years. Only time will tell if the actor sticks to his decision to follow in Harrison Ford's footsteps. However, if the decision was based on past successes of the Mission: Impossible films and the opinions of a majority of fans, then Cruise making films for the franchise until he is 80 is something he both can and should do.