The highly anticipated film, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” is gearing up to be one of the most expensive movies ever made, with a staggering production budget of $400 million. Set to premiere potentially at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, this latest installment in the iconic franchise promises to deliver the high-octane action fans have come to expect from Tom Cruise and his team.
Originally slated for release on June 28, 2024, the film’s debut was postponed by a year due to production delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and an actors’ strike, leading to a significant increase in costs.
According to entertainment journalist Matt Belloni, the delays have resulted in a budget that exceeds those of previous blockbusters such as “Avatar – La via dell’acqua” and both “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Avengers: Endgame.” As Belloni noted in his podcast, “The Town,” the film will need to gross at least $1 billion at the box office to break even, a daunting task even for a franchise that has earned a collective $4 billion over nearly 30 years.
As the title suggests, “The Final Reckoning” is rumored to be the last film in the series, although similar claims have been made in the past. The film will pick up right where its predecessor, “Mission: Impossible 7 – Dead Reckoning,” left off, continuing the story of Ethan Hunt and his team as they battle against the villain Gabriel and the artificial intelligence known as The Entity. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film features a star-studded cast that includes Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby, and Esai Morales.
In tandem with the film’s release, the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City will host an exhibition titled “Mission: Impossible – Story and Spectacle,” opening on April 18, 2025. This exhibit will celebrate Tom Cruise’s contributions to the franchise and showcase the technical achievements behind the series’ remarkable stunts. Each film in the franchise will have its own dedicated section, highlighting key action sequences and offering unique behind-the-scenes content that reveals how these thrilling stunts were prepared and filmed.
Barbara Miller, the deputy director for curatorial affairs at the museum, expressed excitement about the upcoming exhibition, stating, “For almost 30 years, ‘Mission: Impossible’ films have thrilled audiences with suspenseful stories and unparalleled practical stunts.
MoMI is excited to partner with Paramount Pictures on this major exhibition to explore the series’ unique achievements and create a fun, illuminating experience for fans and visitors.” This exhibition aims to provide fans with a deeper understanding of the franchise’s success and the dedication that goes into creating its breathtaking action sequences.
As the release date for “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans eager to see how the saga of Ethan Hunt concludes. With the film’s massive budget and the expectations that come with it, Cruise and his team are poised to deliver a cinematic experience that will likely leave a lasting impact on audiences.
While it remains to be seen whether this installment will indeed mark the end of the beloved franchise, one thing is certain: Tom Cruise, now 62 years old, shows no signs of slowing down. Given his commitment to performing his own stunts, fans can expect the same thrilling action and intense sequences that have defined the series since its inception in 1996.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the “Mission: Impossible” franchise stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of practical effects and high-stakes storytelling. With “The Final Reckoning,” audiences are set to embark on one last mission with Ethan Hunt, and if history is any indication, it promises to be a spectacular ride.