Tom Cruise faces trolling as report claims he plans to make 'Mission: Impossible' films into his 80s

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 'Mission: Impossible' franchise may see a shift as discussions circulate about its future—and Tom Cruise's potential role in it well into his golden years.

A report from The Hollywood Reporter hints that Paramount is considering ending the series with 'Mission: Impossible 8', which is set to release in 2025 with a budget that is approaching $400 million.

But Cruise reportedly isn’t ready to say goodbye to his iconic role as superspy Ethan Hunt.

Tom Cruise reportedly wants to continue with the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise into his 80s

Since its debut in 1996, the 'Mission: Impossible' series has delivered some of Hollywood's most jaw-dropping action sequences, thanks largely to Tom Cruise's commitment to performing his own stunts.

As the franchise progressed, each film sought to raise the bar, often featuring Cruise in situations that many would consider unthinkable for an A-list actor.

From scaling the towering Burj Khalifa in 'Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol' to clinging to the side of a jet in 'Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation', Cruise has consistently pushed himself—and the franchise—into unprecedented territory.

These stunts have not only captivated audiences but also boosted the franchise’s financial success, with cumulative earnings exceeding $4 billion.

Director Christopher McQuarrie, who returned for 'Mission: Impossible 7' and is on board for 'Mission: Impossible 8', has helped shape the high-octane direction the series has taken.

While 'Mission: Impossible 8' is expected to be another explosive entry, Paramount may be looking to close out the story before the franchise begins to decline—a concern possibly motivated by the mixed box office performance of 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One'. 

Released in 2023, the film earned $570.6 million globally, which, while substantial, was the lowest revenue for the franchise since 2006. With a production cost surpassing $200 million, its breakeven point likely hovered around $550 million, meaning that Paramount’s profits were modest at best.

While an insider shared, "I think Tom’s in a good place. And I think Mission is going to be really good," financial realities could limit the franchise’s potential.

The Hollywood Reporter's report suggests that though the studio is planning for a grand finale with 'Mission: Impossible 8', Cruise, 62, has expressed interest in extending Ethan Hunt’s story for at least two more decades, suggesting he could be ready to continue performing as the superspy well into his 80s.

Tom Cruise's ambition to continue with the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise sparks trolling

Once news broke of Tom Cruise's alleged ambition to carry 'Mission Impossible' into his 80s, netizens reacted with outright mockery.

One remarked, "Tom needs to let go, give us one more good banger and a farewell tour," and another said, "Cut the budget in half Tom or pay out of pocket and keep making these forever."

A person quipped, "Tom Cruise lost his mind long ago, and Paramount knows it," and someone else added, "Aka this the only thing he could do, and he needs money cause it all goes to Scientology."

"$400M budget and making MI movies in his 80s sounds wild. Maybe Ethan Hunt could get into more of a leadership role for the agents in these films. I don’t see him riding motorcycles off cliffs at 80," pointed out an individual. 

"Tom charges a lot to run these days," joked another person and one more remarked, "Tom cruise has to shut the f**k up, he's lucky rogue nation did so well it saved this stupid franchise now take a bow and LEAVE."

"Mission impossible 9 is Ethan Hunt just having a normal vacation where he overthrows a government as a way to relax," jested a netizen. 

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