Can Glen Powell Replace Tom Cruise As The Face Of The "Mission: Impossible" Franchise After Jeremy Renner Failed To Do?

 

With “Mission: Impossible — The Last Reckoning” potentially marking Tom Cruise's final appearance as the iconic spy Ethan Hunt, Hollywood’s attention is turning toward a possible successor. Despite Cruise's insistence that he aims to keep playing Hunt as long as he can, rumors are swirling that Glen Powell—his co-star in Top Gun: Maverick—could be handpicked by Cruise to step into the role if Cruise ever steps aside. According to a report by The InSneider, Cruise seems to see Powell as a natural fit, which has set off a storm of speculation.

Powell, who has steadily risen to Hollywood stardom, has been everywhere in recent years, from Top Gun: Maverick to starring roles in Anyone But You and Richard Linklater’s Hitman. With the same charisma and physical intensity that have made Cruise a box office magnet, Powell has captivated audiences. And with his schedule potentially clearing after wrapping Edgar Wright’s The Running Man in December, he could be ready to take on the demanding role of Hunt, should the opportunity arise.

The Appeal of Glen Powell as Ethan Hunt

Glen Powell, now 35, has proven himself as a versatile actor capable of handling both action-packed and character-driven roles. In Top Gun: Maverick, his performance as Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin showcased his ability to balance cockiness with likability—a quality Cruise has mastered over decades. This balance is critical for a character like Ethan Hunt, who must charm audiences while undertaking death-defying missions.

Further solidifying Powell's appeal, his recent performances in high-profile projects have garnered box office success and praise from critics. Last summer, he led Twisters, another blockbuster hit that cemented his standing as a bankable star. Now, with upcoming collaborations with J.J. Abrams, Edgar Wright, and John Patton Ford, Powell’s stock in Hollywood has never been higher. His evolving career has put him in the spotlight, raising questions about whether he might just be the right person to inherit Cruise’s action mantle.

Tom Cruise’s Reluctance to Let Go

Tom Cruise has long defined Mission: Impossible, transforming Ethan Hunt into a cinematic icon. After decades of portraying the fearless IMF agent, Cruise remains highly committed to the franchise’s legacy and is reluctant to let it go. Cruise, who turned 62 in July 2024, has voiced aspirations to continue playing Hunt well into his later years. He’s even expressed admiration for Harrison Ford’s ability to keep performing action roles into his 80s, suggesting that he hopes to emulate Ford’s career longevity. In a recent interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Cruise said, “I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until I’m his age.”

Despite Cruise’s apparent eagerness to continue as Ethan Hunt, the franchise's sustainability likely rests on the success of The Last Reckoning, set to hit theaters in May 2025. The film's production reportedly cost close to $400 million, meaning it would need to generate close to $900 million globally to be profitable. Should The Last Reckoning underperform, Paramount might decide to rethink the franchise’s direction, possibly transitioning Cruise into a producer-only role while bringing in new lead talent.

Jeremy Renner

This potential shift recalls when Jeremy Renner was once positioned as a successor in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. While Renner’s character provided strong support, audiences didn’t embrace him as a lead replacement for Cruise. This experience, however, taught Paramount that a successful transition requires a perfect balance of charisma and continuity. Powell’s versatility and box office appeal might give him a unique edge, but fan loyalty to Cruise’s Hunt remains a powerful factor.

Jon Voight

At 62, Tom Cruise is now significantly older than Jon Voight was when he starred as Jim Phelps in the original Mission: Impossible movie in 1996—Voight was only 58 at the time. Cruise’s age hasn’t stopped him from executing breathtaking stunts, but it does highlight how remarkable his commitment to the role is. While audiences have come to expect Cruise sprinting through city streets and scaling impossible heights, these iconic, high-impact scenes are bound to take a toll. Running scenes, in particular, have become almost synonymous with Cruise’s Ethan Hunt, but as the years add up, fans might wonder how much longer he can maintain the same intensity without impacting his health or realism in the role.

The Timing of Powell’s Potential Takeover

If Powell were indeed chosen to succeed Cruise, the timing could work in his favor. With The Last Reckoning due out in 2025 and Powell’s other projects wrapping up, he could be in a prime position to take on a franchise of this magnitude. However, for this transition to work, fans would need to embrace Powell as the new Hunt, and Paramount would likely market his debut heavily to ensure a strong reception.

The timing and marketing would be crucial factors, as even a strong actor like Powell would need to contend with decades of fan loyalty to Cruise’s Hunt. The studio could also explore storylines that focus on Powell as a new recruit or protege, giving audiences a fresh take while still honoring Cruise’s legacy. This approach would allow fans to warm up to Powell’s Hunt over time, as opposed to an immediate, full-scale replacement.

What Lies Ahead for the Mission: Impossible Franchise?

While it’s uncertain whether Cruise will relinquish his role as Ethan Hunt anytime soon, Powell is a strong contender with the backing of both Cruise and Hollywood momentum. If fans are willing to accept a new face for Mission: Impossible, Powell could bring fresh energy to the franchise, building on the incredible foundation that Cruise has laid.

Source: World Of Reel

Photo Credit: Paramount