Kaylah Walton
After almost 30 years portraying Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise is rumored to be looking for a successor to the iconic role. Reports suggest that he has selected Glen Powell, known for his role in Top Gun: Maverick, as a potential new lead for the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Cruise, who acted as a mentor to Powell during their collaboration in Top Gun, believes Powell has the right blend of charm and action skills necessary for the role.
Although there is speculation that Mission: Impossible – The Last Reckoning may be Cruise’s final film as Hunt, he has consistently rejected the notion of retiring from the role.
The action icon has even expressed his desire to continue the franchise until the age of 80, inspired by actor Harrison Ford’s longevity in action films. “Harrison Ford is a legend; I hope to keep going. I’ve got 20 years to catch up with him,” Cruise mentioned recently.
Powell is the ideal candidate for Cruise’s role
Powell, now 35, is enjoying a successful career. With roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters, and the upcoming The Running Man directed by Edgar Wright, he has demonstrated he is well-prepared for high-octane lead roles.
His busy schedule is projected to open up after December, raising the possibility that he might step into a significant role within one of Hollywood’s legendary franchises.
However, it’s important to note that The Last Reckoning, set for a May 2025 release, comes with a substantial budget of $400 million. The film must reach about $900 million worldwide to achieve profitability.
A new chapter for Mission: Impossible
Should this film succeed, Paramount may see the “final” chapter not as the end, but rather a fresh start—potentially with Powell donning the mantle as the new lead, all while Cruise transitions to a producing role.
Fans and industry insiders are eagerly watching this potential change. Is Powell ready for the intense challenges of Hunt’s missions? Ultimately, only time and the performance of The Last Reckoning will reveal if Cruise’s choice for a successor will mark a new era for the Mission: Impossible franchise.
