Fans believe that Tom Cruise is exiting the Mission: Impossible franchise and a “reboot” could be in the making. After the “underwhelming performance” of Cruise’s latest movie, Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, chatters regarding the iconic action star’s departure from the franchise started circulating online.
Now, sources from Paramount Pictures have reportedly disclosed details regarding Cruise’s involvement in the upcoming years.
Here’s why fans think Tom Cruise is fired from the Mission Impossible franchise
Tom Cruise‘s decades-spanning Mission Impossible legacy might be coming to an end. According to Shutter Scoop (Rob Shutter’s Substack), Cruise “will not return” as Ethan Hunt for the upcoming Mission Impossible films.
After the movie’s “underwhelming” box office performance, sources from the Paramount Studio have revealed that Cruise’s chapter in the globally popular action franchise has come to an end. A source reportedly claimed, “Tom’s not coming back,” adding, “This chapter is closed—and everyone knows it.”
While the Oscar-nominated actor’s time for Mission Impossible might end, sources further claim that Paramount is planning a reboot. The insider shared that the reboot might happen in the upcoming three to four years with a new lead and fresh creative vision. Another insider reacted to the news of Cruise’s departure. The industry executive gushed, “He gave it everything. But now it’s time to pass the baton.
Meanwhile, Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning reportedly earned over $500 million from worldwide box office performances. Box Office Mojo revealed the 2025 action thriller earned over $169 million in the domestic box office.
Additionally, the Mission: Impossible franchise ranks as the 17th-highest-grossing film series globally. The action thriller series has earned over $4.35 billion worldwide while also receiving critical acclaim (via Box Office Mojo).
Often regarded as one of cinema’s premier action franchises, the series has received critical acclaim and garnered a strong fan following. Cruise’s role as Ethan Hunt is widely regarded as one of the most iconic action heroes of all time.
