Glen Powell has addressed the rumors of potentially replacing Tom Cruise in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Powell, known for his roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters where he took on daring scenes and stunts, is no stranger to action. The Mission: Impossible franchise, famous for Cruise’s remarkable stunts, is set to release Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on May 23, 2025, though it’s unclear if it’ll be Cruise’s last as Ethan Hunt.
In a chat with ESPN’s Pat McAfee, Powell humorously dismissed the replacement rumors. Given Cruise’s own stunts like hanging off a moving plane and driving a motorcycle off a cliff, Powell said his mom wouldn’t let him take on such a task even if he wanted to, calling it a “death trap”.
What do Powell’s comments mean for Mission: Impossible? His reaction highlights how challenging and extraordinary the franchise has been under Cruise’s leadership. Cruise’s stunts have set a high bar for Hollywood action sequences. Powell’s light-hearted dismissal shows that replacing Cruise isn’t easy as the franchise demands a lot in terms of stunts.
Currently, Powell is busy with projects like leading in Edgar Wright’s The Running Man. His past work with Cruise and their friendship might lead to future collaborations, perhaps in Mission: Impossible, though no spinoff or ninth installment is announced. His remarks about the role’s risk show Cruise’s iconic contributions and the difficulty for any successor.
Our take is that as Powell builds his action resume, it’ll be interesting to see if he pursues a major role in an action franchise. His response shows he understands the admiration and concerns of entering Cruise’s action world. His acknowledgment of Mission: Impossible as a “death trap” reflects Cruise’s unique legacy with Ethan Hunt, involving real risks, physical toughness, and courage.
Related content: