THE Mission: Impossible franchise may be coming to an end with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoningbut there are several ways the beloved series could continue if that’s the direction the writers wanted to go. Even without Tom Cruise at the helm, there is so much material and so many exciting supporting characters in this franchise that it would be a waste to throw them away at this point.
The last few films have done a great job of creating all these new faces, and it would be surprising if The final reckoning it was actually their last time on screen. Based on everything we know The final reckoning, It’s highly likely to be Tom Cruise’s final adventure with the series – but that doesn’t mean it has to end there. Whether it’s a soft reboot with new actors or an extension of the series with existing characters at the forefront, there are many ways this series can avoid extinction while still giving Cruise the heartfelt goodbye he obviously deserves.
10
Chris Evans
Star of Captain America: The First Avenger
Chris Evans might be an obvious choice to lead a high-profile action franchise after his work in the MCU, but that doesn’t mean he’s a less interesting choice. The actor has repeatedly proven that he is able to deliver dedicated and engaging performances and working alongside stunt coordinators to make your stunt scenes look real and authentic, which is crucial to the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Chris Evans has also been going through a bad patch lately, with many of his recent films delivering underwhelming performances, both critically and commercially. Becoming the new face of Mission: Impossible the franchise could be a great way to revitalize your career without simply returning to the role of Captain America, as many fans have suggested.
9
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
smash star
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is no stranger to action movies and has become even more popular lately thanks to his villainous turns. The fallen guywhich is among the most popular action projects in recent memory. He is a very adaptable actorwilling to play serious, stoic roles as PrincipleIves, while displaying a funnier, more light-hearted side in his roles in Smash and bullet train.
The only problem with Aaron Taylor-Johnson facing the Mission: Impossible That’s what franchise is his name is also solidly in the conversation to play the next iteration of James Bondwhenever this comes to fruition. Casting Taylor-Johnson as Bond would greatly restrict his other projects, and it might not be the smartest idea to rely on Mission: Impossiblethe future of an actor who may not be available.
8
Miles box
Top Gun Star: Maverick
Miles Teller has worked alongside Tom Cruise before in Top Gun: Maverickand the two actors instantly matched each other’s style on that project. Since then, Teller spoke highly of Cruise and praised the work they did together in Superior weapon set, so it would be a nice full-circle moment to see Cruise pass the torch to Teller in yet another long-running franchise.
Although Miles Teller is best known for his smaller comedic roles in films such as Project X and War Dogsthe actor has since proven capable of acting with both great emotion (in Whip) and strong dedication to action (in Top Gun: Maverick), which are two traits that have always been present in Tom Cruise’s work. This clearly marks it as a worthy successor to the franchise.
7
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Star of the beginning
Although it’s been a while since Joseph Gordon-Levitt starred in an action film, the actor has some sensational examples on his resume. From science fiction thrillers like Start and Looper to more grounded blockbusters like The Dark Knight Rises and The walkhe’s certainly no stranger to ratcheting up the tension and having the audience on his side for a thrilling adventure.
It’s been a while since he’s been the face of a film of this scale and is admittedly older than Cruise was at the start of Mission: Impossible.
Unfortunately, Gordon-Levitt’s recent career has been mostly limited to streaming releases and recurring cameos in Rian Johnson’s films. It’s been a while since he’s been the face of a film of this scale and is admittedly older than Cruise was at the start of Mission: Impossible. However, Gordon-Levitt could still make an impact on this franchise as an original character (not a recast of Ethan Hunt) who already has some experience in the world of espionage.
6
Michael B. Jordan
Black Panther Star
If there’s one actor who was born to lead an action franchise that simply hasn’t happened yet, it’s Michael B. Jordan. His work in both Black Panther and Belief immediately proved his immense screen presence, something strictly necessary for a series of this size and popularity. Your work in Belief also proved his physical dedication to his rolesproving that he would be willing to engage in the acrobatics and combat that comes with working for the IMF.
The great thing about Mission: Impossible franchise is that Ethan Hunt is only a small part of this fictional organization – there must be countless other IMF agents that a potential spin-off could follow, whether in the present day or the past, so there’s no reason why Michael B. Jordan wouldn’t fit in this story.
5
Sam Claflin
Star of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Sam Claflin played Finnick in the famous Hunger Games franchise, and they are two totally different properties, the actor has proven that he has the charisma and charm necessary to lead a series like Mission: Impossible. From him Hunger Games character displayed the same relatability and self-aware boldness that made Tom Cruise so popular when he was younger, making him perfect for an Ethan Hunt revamp.
Continuing the Mission: Impossible the franchise without Tom Cruise certainly won’t be easy, but a complete reboot might be the safest path forward. Otherwise, with every existing character returning for a sequel, Cruise’s presence would simply be too obvious and detracting from its success. A total overhaul is probably the way to go, and Sam Claflin’s name should definitely be in the conversation to play a younger version of Ethan Hunt.
4
Vanessa Kirby
Napoleon’s Star
Alternatively, the Mission: Impossible franchise could opt for the same strategy as John Wick recently adopted and continued the story tangentially with a spin-off. If this is the cast, Vanessa Kirby’s character, The White Widow, seems like the character whose story would be most interesting. She has connections across Europe that could allow for some fascinating storytelling, and her moral complexity would make her an unconventional protagonist.
Vanessa Kirby recently joined the MCU Fantastic Four movie, so it can be a little difficult to align your schedule with a potential Mission: Impossible spin-off, but that could be a good thing.
Vanessa Kirby recently joined the MCU Fantastic Four movie, so it can be a little difficult to align your schedule with a potential Mission: Impossible spin-off, but that could be a good thing. This would allow some time between The final reckoning and any other spin-offs, which gives audiences time to accept the end of the main franchise and build anticipation for what comes next.
3
Joe Keery
Stranger Things Star
Joe Keery is best known for playing Steve Harrington in Stranger Thingsand he would be the perfect candidate to play Ethan Hunt in a potential Mission: Impossible restart. He’s the ideal age to play a younger version of the characterand he has the same charm and swagger that Tom Cruise displayed in the early days of his career, through projects like Risky business and the original Superior weapon.
With Stranger Things’ Final episode airing in 2025, this would be the perfect opportunity for Joe Keery to join another long-running franchise and finally commit to the transition from television to film. Although he has starred in some great films such as Free Guy and Spree, your time has been occupied mainly by Stranger Things for the better part of a decade. This could be the perfect opportunity to make it in the cinematic world.
2
Glen Powell
Hit Man Star
Glen Powell’s name is in the conversation to take over Mission: Impossible franchise since then her friendship with Tom Cruise began to blossom on the set of Top Gun: Maverick. Since then, the two actors have become extremely close and he has been the favorite choice to replace Cruise when The final reckoning he finished.
However, Powell actually dispelled the Mission: Impossible rumors suggesting that no one could live up to Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt, claiming it would be a “death trap”For him to try. This apparently eliminates any possibility of Powell engaging in a Mission: Impossible remake, but it certainly doesn’t mean he won’t be involved in potential sequels or spin-offs.
1
Hayley Atwell
Star of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
As fans debate which Hollywood actor could replace Tom Cruise when Mission: ImpossibleThe main series comes to an end, its replacement has really been staring the audience in the face since the last issue. Hayley Atwell character Grace was featured in Reckoning – Part Oneand although her role in the story initially appeared to be little more than Hunt’s latest love interest, the figure proved to be much more capable and self-confident than expected.
Grace has the cheating and espionage experience required to work at the IMF, and she was even initiated by Hunt at the end of Reckoning – Part One. This sets the stage for Grace to take over when Cruise leaves the franchise (potentially through her character’s death in The final reckoning). This would be a much easier transition, as the audience already knows her character.