'The Final Reckoning'? Why 'Mission Impossible' May Be Planning A Secret Return

On May 23, 2025, the eighth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” franchise hit theaters with thrilling action and emotional moments, leading many to believe it was the end of Ethan Hunt’s adventures.

However, the question remains whether “The Final Reckoning” is truly the final chapter?

Despite the film’s title suggesting a conclusion, hints from the cast and crew and Cruise’s enduring passion for the franchise have indicated that this might not be the last mission after all.

“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” officially hit theaters and left fans buzzing about the explosive events and major revelations that unfolded.

In the eighth installment, Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt, who led his IMF team in a race against time to stop a rogue artificial intelligence known as the Entity.

The stakes were higher than ever as the team tracked the source of the AI to a sunken Russian submarine.

The film delivered a high-octane finale packed with twists, sacrifice, and intense action sequences.

Hunt ultimately had a gripping aerial battle with Gabriel, the main villain, with Grace, played by Hayley Atwell, by his side, as he attempted to trap the Entity using a device created by Luther, portrayed by Ving Rhames.

Following the conclusion of the franchise's eighth installment, fans could be forgiven for thinking this is the final film.

However, there have been speculations that it is far from over. Recently, some of the cast chatted with PEOPLE Magazine, and they had a lot to say about the franchise returning for another installment.

Simon Pegg, who plays Benji, told the outlet that although “The Final Reckoning” seemed like the perfect way to end the chapter that began in 1996, it wasn’t wise to think the franchise wouldn’t return.

“Never say never, do you know what I mean? That’s a rule I tend to live by. The last two together took five years to make. So it depends entirely on a lot of things. I don't think Tom likes the idea of finality. I think even if there isn't anything that comes after this, you leave the theater feeling like, ‘Oh, maybe there's more,’” he said.

Angela Bassett couldn’t agree less. She revealed that Cruise wasn’t someone who could be counted out or down.

“With Mr. Cruise, you can never count him down or out. He's always up for an amazing adventure and to give the audience exactly what they're craving,” the actress who plays Erika Sloane explained.

Hayley Atwell shared the same sentiments. She revealed that although “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” came with a satisfying and emotional closure, her colleague was quite unpredictable.

According to the 43-year-old, Cruise wouldn’t stop and would never slow down. “There is that sense of the emotional end of something that feels like a very emotional closure. And yet, Tom Cruise is never going to slow down. He won't ever stop. This is who he is,” she said.

While many cast members believed the franchise wasn’t done yet, director Christopher McQuarrie had a different opinion.

“You’d have to ask me after a very long vacation,” the icon responded after being asked if he saw more “Mission: Impossible” movies in the future.

Some cast members might think the franchise might return in the future, but Cruise has remained intentionally vague about whether this marks the end of Hunt’s journey.

During a special appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Cruise was asked directly about the franchise’s fate.

Rather than confirm or deny the speculation, he deflected with a grin, saying, “Let us just show the movie tonight. This is like 30 years culmination of this, and I think that this is — I’d rather just people see it and enjoy.”

The 62-year-old emphasized his commitment to delivering cinematic experiences audiences will never forget.

“We’ve had an amazing time doing it and it's been a lot of fun and just want you all to enjoy it, enjoy this and know everything — the culmination has come to this moment right now and it's been a lot of fun,” he shared.

Indeed, “Mission: Impossible —The Final Reckoning” was nothing short of epic.

Viewers could attest to the adrenaline-pumping moments featured in the movie.

This wasn’t surprising, considering McQuarrie previously revealed that a fan nearly suffered a heart attack during a screening due to daring stunts.

“We had a small screening, and someone said, 'I was suffocating throughout the entire sequence. I almost had a heart attack,” he shared, per The Blast.

While McQuarrie didn’t specify which scene caused such a visceral response, he revealed that the fan's reaction indicated that the movie's producers did something right.