In an electrifying farewell to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, Tom Cruise captivated audiences at the Cannes Film Festival with the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”. The film received an impressive five-minute ovation, a testament to Cruise's dedication to showcasing breathless and death-defying practical stunts that have become synonymous with the series.
The Cannes premiere was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a 40-piece orchestra that welcomed guests into the theater with the franchise’s iconic theme music. As the lights dimmed, the audience was treated to stunning special effects that left them in awe. However, the film's long runtime took a toll on some viewers, with a few theatergoers leaving their seats during the intense final act, marked by Cruise's signature death-defying acrobatics.
What surprised many in the Cannes audience was Cruise's willingness to push boundaries, especially during a gripping three-minute knife fight sequence set on a submarine, where he appeared in nothing but skimpy boxer briefs. This daring scene was complemented by a mind-blowing underwater sequence that showcased Cruise's commitment to realism. At 62 years old, Cruise showcased that he still possesses the charisma and physicality of a leading man in his fourth decade of stardom.
As the applause echoed through the Palais, Cruise was visibly moved, clutching his heart and nodding in gratitude. Both he and director Christopher McQuarrie shared a heartfelt moment, thanking guests Zoe Saldaña and Marco Perego-Saldaña. McQuarrie took the opportunity to address the audience, emphasizing the importance of the big screen experience and expressing gratitude for the support received throughout the film’s production.
“This response is why we do it. You are why we do it,” McQuarrie stated passionately. He acknowledged the extraordinary cast, highlighting their dedication during a challenging production period marked by a pandemic and industry strikes. “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,” he added.
In a touching moment, McQuarrie praised Cruise, sharing how, as a child, he often felt out of place and used his imagination to escape. “I got to grow up and have my very own action figure,” McQuarrie quipped. When it was Cruise's turn to speak, he expressed his deep appreciation for being at Cannes, stating, “I really can’t even dream of something like this happening.” He acknowledged McQuarrie's vision in expanding the franchise, highlighting his excitement for future collaborations.
With “The Final Reckoning”, both Cruise and Paramount Pictures are hopeful for a repeat of the success achieved by “Top Gun: Maverick”, which dazzled audiences at Cannes in 2022, earning a five-minute standing ovation and grossing $1.46 billion worldwide. The premiere of the “Top Gun” sequel was a grand spectacle featuring a flyover of eight fighter jets as Cruise and the cast walked the red carpet, an event that culminated in Cruise receiving a surprise Honorary Palme d’Or.
Whether “The Final Reckoning” can match the box office heights of “Top Gun: Maverick” remains uncertain. Cruise's previous outing in the “Mission: Impossible” series, 2023’s “Dead Reckoning Part One,” concluded its run with a modest $571 million globally, a stark contrast to the $791 million garnered by 2018’s “Fallout”. However, one thing is certain: Tom Cruise's ability to deliver box office hits is unquestionable.
In addition to Tom Cruise, “The Final Reckoning” features a lineup of franchise stalwarts, including Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames, alongside newcomers Janet McTeer, Hannah Waddingham, and Nick Offerman. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who has helmed three previous entries in the series, anticipation builds as the film is set to hit theaters on May 23, distributed by Paramount Pictures.
