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Tom Cruise gave fans a spectacular farewell to his Ethan Hunt character at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, where Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning premiered to a 5-minute standing ovation. The event was nothing short of grand, with a live 40-piece orchestra performing the iconic Mission: Impossible theme, setting the stage for a night full of excitement and nostalgia.
The film itself delivered jaw-dropping stunts that only Cruise could pull off, including a standout scene where he engaged in a knife fight inside a submarine while wearing just boxer briefs. He also performed part of a challenging underwater sequence in the same minimal outfit, showing just how far he goes to keep things authentic. At 62, Cruise’s physical commitment left even his most dedicated fans amazed.
Though the action-packed movie thrilled audiences, its lengthy runtime tested some viewers’ stamina, especially toward the intense climax packed with Cruise’s signature high-risk moves.
After the applause, director Christopher McQuarrie praised the cast’s dedication, especially given the tough production circumstances — filming during a pandemic and amid two industry strikes. Cruise took the stage to thank the “extraordinary” cast and crew, reflecting on the challenges they overcame over the seven years it took to make the last two Mission: Impossible films.
He said, “This film would not be possible without the hard work of each and every one of these people standing up here. It’s the most extraordinary cast in the world.”
Alongside Cruise, the film stars Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, and Angela Bassett. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning hits theaters on May 23 through Paramount Pictures, marking the epic conclusion to Cruise’s iconic journey as Ethan Hunt.