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Will there be a 'Mission Impossible 9'? Director Christopher McQuarrie teases future after 'Dead Reckoning Part I & II'

Even though McQuarrie spoke about the franchise's return after the conclusion of both parts of 'Dead Reckoning', he was silent on Cruise’s return

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Cruise is back. After just one year of delivering a worldwide blockbuster with ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, the 61-year-old global star has another high-octane, action-packed film that is bound to entertain and enthrall. ‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1’ is the talk of the town with Cruise and the team attending world premieres across the globe. The popularity of the franchise surpassed borders a long time ago with fans always hungry for the next one to release in theaters. However, there was a slight hiccup for these die-hard fans when it was announced that Dead Reckoning I and II will draw the curtains on Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt.

But director Christopher McQuarrie came with news of respite for everyone second-guessing about the franchise’s future. McQuarrie who has directed the previous two Mission Impossible films revealed that the franchise will continue after 'Dead Reckoning I and II'. The current film which is split into two parts is not the end and the Mission Impossible team will be back once again with a new mission, should everyone choose to accept. For now, Cruise will feature in both parts of Dead Reckoning as he bears the burden of saving the world once again.

What did Christopher McQuarrie say about Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 9?

Tom Cruise recently revealed at the Australian premiere of 'Dead Reckoning' that he wishes to continue making films in his 80s. The global icon who has just stepped into his 60s has no plans of slowing down, putting his foot on the gas instead. He admired Harrison Ford’s resolve to make the last 'Indiana Jones' film despite being 80 and hopes to continue with the same passion when he gets closer to that age. Director Mcquarrie is aware of Cruise’s age and understands that without Cruise, the franchise will lose all its firepower.

Even though McQuarrie spoke about the franchise's potential return after the conclusion of both parts of 'Dead Reckoning', he was silent on Cruise’s return to the film series. It’s hard to imagine Cruise and 'Mission Impossible' separately but the reality is that age is catching up quickly and Cruise’s ability to take on gravity-defying stunts in unmatched, there’s only so much a human body can endure. Plus, Cruise is also slated to start filming his SpaceX collaboration film with director Doug Liman which could further put a dent in hopes of him returning as Ethan Hunt.

What is ‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning’ Part 1 about?

The official synopsis of the film reads, “Ethan Hunt and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: to track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.” 

‘Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning’ Part 1 hits US theatres on July 12, 2023.