CANNES, France — Tom Cruise electrified audiences at the Cannes Film Festival with the premiere of “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” which received a resounding five-minute ovation. Part of the excitement stemmed from Cruise’s dedication to performing breathtaking stunts that fans have come to expect from the franchise. The event featured an impressive 40-piece orchestra that set the tone with the series’ memorable theme music as guests entered the theater.
While the film showcased stunning special effects, its lengthy duration left some viewers feeling fatigued. During the film’s climactic action scenes, a few audience members chose to leave the Palais, unable to withstand the intensity any longer. Despite this, the overwhelming enthusiasm for Cruise’s daring exploits remained palpable.
In one standout scene, the 62-year-old actor found himself in a gripping three-minute knife fight aboard a submarine, clad only in minimalist boxer briefs. This followed a thrilling underwater sequence that showcased both his physical prowess and willingness to take risks, reminding everyone that he continues to defy expectations well into his fourth decade of stardom.
As the applause echoed throughout the theater, Cruise expressed his gratitude by clutching his heart and acknowledging his coworkers, including director Christopher McQuarrie. McQuarrie expressed deep appreciation not just for the audience’s reaction but also for the film’s extraordinary cast, which faced numerous challenges throughout the production process, including the pandemic and industry strikes. He praised their resilience and unwavering commitment over the seven years it took to bring the film to fruition.
Reflecting on his journey, McQuarrie shared, “As a kid, I didn’t fit in, and a lot of my life was imaginative play. I got to grow up and have my very own action figure.” This sentiment resonated deeply as Cruise took the microphone. “To be here in Cannes and have these moments — I mean as a kid when we were growing up, I really can’t even dream of something like this happening,” he said, highlighting the significance of the event after three decades in the franchise.
Cruise acknowledged McQuarrie’s impact on the series and expressed eagerness to collaborate on future projects. “Grateful to you, my friend. Every step of the way what you’ve done and how you’ve expanded it — it just went beyond our expectations,” he said.
As anticipation builds for “The Final Reckoning,” expectations remain high following the success of “Top Gun: Maverick,” which opened in Cannes last year and grossed $1.46 billion globally. That film’s premiere was a spectacle, complete with fighter jets flying over the Palais as Cruise and the cast entered, and the actor receiving a surprise Honorary Palme d’Or.
Whether “The Final Reckoning” can replicate that box office success remains uncertain. Cruise’s previous outing in 2023, “Dead Reckoning Part One,” garnered $571 million worldwide, a significant drop compared to the $791 million earned by 2018’s “Fallout.” Nonetheless, Cruise has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver blockbusters.
The latest installment reunites familiar faces from the franchise, including Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Angela Bassett, while introducing newcomers like Janet McTeer and Nick Offerman. Directed once again by Christopher McQuarrie, who has helmed three previous entries in the series, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is set to hit theaters on May 23.