Paramount Pictures has finally revealed the title of Mission: Impossible 8 as Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning, which seemingly teases the end for Ethan Hunt, reportedly contrary to Tom Cruise’s desires.
Last year, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning received great reviews but underperformed at the box office. Subsequently, the eighth installment was delayed and its originally planned subtitle scrapped. Now, the new title suggests this could be the franchise’s grand conclusion, despite Cruise’s past statements about wanting to continue the role until he’s 80.
What does this mean for the Mission: Impossible franchise? There have long been rumors of Mission: Impossible 8 being a potential end. The “Final Reckoning” title and Ethan’s line in the trailer imply that the previous film’s underperformance may have pushed Cruise to agree to this conclusion. With a high budget for the next movie and the need to turn a profit, leaning into it being the final installment might be Paramount’s best bet.
Our take on Mission: Impossible 8 being the last one is that while the franchise has had some of its best installments recently, making these movies is costly. Dead Reckoning faced tough competition and possible franchise fatigue. Perhaps it’s better for the franchise to conclude with The Final Reckoning, going out on a high note rather than overstaying its welcome.
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