At the dazzling U.S. premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning at Lincoln Center on May 18, Tom Cruise made it official: this is indeed the end of the road for Ethan Hunt. But Cruise himself? He’s nowhere near done.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet, the 62-year-old action icon confirmed what the title hints at—The Final Reckoning will be Hunt’s last mission. “It’s the final! It’s not called ‘final’ for nothing,” he said with a smile, putting any speculation to rest.
But retirement? That’s not on Cruise’s radar. Reiterating an earlier sentiment about wanting to follow in Harrison Ford’s footsteps and act well into old age, Cruise went even further this time: “Actually, I’m going to make [movies] into my 100s. I will never stop. I will never stop doing action, I will never stop doing drama, or comedy films—I’m excited.”
Cruise reflected warmly on the nearly 30-year journey of the Mission: Impossible franchise. “There’ve been so many levels of reward—with the filmmakers I’ve collaborated with, the crews, the cultures we’ve worked in,” he shared. “Everything I’ve learned and continue to learn about storytelling, life, leadership, character… it’s been exceptional.”
When asked how he preps for the franchise’s signature death-defying stunts, Cruise offered a wry smile: “There’s a lot that keeps me alive,” he joked, before adding that each stunt demands its own unique kind of preparation and laser-sharp focus.
Director Christopher McQuarrie, helming his fourth Mission entry, praised Cruise’s spirit both on and off screen: “He’s the most giving, most game… he’s a great teacher and a great student,” he said.
Starring alongside Cruise are Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Angela Bassett, and more. The film hits theaters this Friday.
Ethan Hunt may be taking his final bow, but Tom Cruise is only shifting gears. With his trademark energy and commitment to craft, Cruise is making one thing very clear—his mission in cinema is far from over.
