Summary
This article contains spoilers for Mission: Impossible - Dead ReckoningMission: Impossiblehas a perfect replacement for Tom Cruise, which is something the MCU greatly failed at. Releasing in 2023,Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Onemarks the seventh installment in the iconicMission: Impossiblemoviefranchise, continuing the high-octane adventures of IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise). The franchise, which began in 1996, has evolved into one of the most successful and enduring action series in cinematic history. Known for its elaborate stunts, intricate plots, and relentless pacing,the series has consistently received acclaim for its ability to innovateand keep audiences hooked.
TheMission: Impossible – Dead Reckoningcastfeatures familiar faces like Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Rebecca Ferguson, while introducing new characters played by Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Esai Morales. The film was met with enthusiasm from both critics and fans. WithDead Reckoning Part 2releasingin May 2025,the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. However, there are several questions about how long Tom Cruise, whose charismatic presence is central to the franchise, can continue performing dangerous stunts. Luckily,Mission: Impossiblehas set up an ideal replacement, an actor the MCU has completely failed.
August 13, 2025
Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Cliffhanger Ending Explained
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning ends on a cliffhanger setting up what’s to come. We break down the film’s ending & what’s next for Ethan.
Hayley Atwell’s Grace Should Be Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Replacement
If the upcomingMission: Impossible 8doesn’t end the franchise, then Grace (Hayley Atwell) should replace Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt. She is one of DeadReckoning’s most compelling elements. Atwell’s Grace brings a fresh dynamic to the franchise with her nuanced performance, blending intelligence, resourcefulness, and a touch of vulnerability. Her character provides a valuable foil to Cruise’s Ethan. As a professional thief,she outsmarts Ethan at the beginningbefore becoming his valuable ally. Ethan not only respects her skills, but also grows to care about her.
Given the intriguing and adept nature of her character and her strong performance, Atwell certainly deserves a larger role in theMission: Impossiblefranchise, even potentially as Tom Cruise’s replacement.
By the end ofDead Reckoning Part One,she decides to take the IMF agent’s advice and work with Kittidge, temporarily saving her but leaving several possibilities. However, it’s not clear whether she is now working for the IMF or CIA. Whatever happens to her character,she is now the new female lead of the franchiseafter the tragic death ofRebecca Ferguson’s Ilsa inDead Reckoning.Grace was already a crucial character in the film. With her working for Kittridge now, she’s likely to become even more central.
She possesses immense knowledge, and is among the few who are aware that the key can open the chamber of The Entity in the Russian submarine that sank. While she might provide that information to Kittridge, it’s equally possible that she will deceive him and go rogue. Either way,she will likely play a pivotal role in destroying The Entity. Given the intriguing and adept nature of her character and her strong performance, Atwell certainly deserves a larger role in theMission: Impossiblefranchise, even potentially as Tom Cruise’s replacement.
The MCU Has Long Wasted Hayley Atwell
It Has Mishandled Both Agent Peggy Carter And Captain Carter
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has significantly underutilized Hayley Atwell’s talent. It has failed to fully capitalize on her potential as both Agent Peggy Carter and Captain Carter. Despite Atwell’s compelling portrayal of Peggy Carter, a character brimming with strength, intelligence, and charm,Agent Carterwas prematurely canceled after only two seasons. This decision came despite critical acclaim and a loyal fan base that appreciated the show’s unique blend of espionage and character-driven storytelling.
Atwell’s brief stint as Captain Carter in the animated seriesWhat If…?and her subsequent, fleeting appearance inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessfurther highlight the MCU’s mishandling of her.
Thecanceled MCU showleft many plotlines unresolved and squandered the opportunity to further develop Peggy Carter’s rich narrative within the MCU. The move disappointed fans who saw the series as a refreshing departure from the typical superhero fare. Moreover, Atwell’s brief stint as Captain Carter in the animated seriesWhat If…?and her subsequent, fleeting appearance inDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnessfurther highlight the MCU’s mishandling of her.
As Captain Carter, an alternate universe version of Peggy imbued with the super-soldier serum, Atwell’s character showcased immense promise, offering a fresh and exciting take on the superhero genre. However,her potential was quickly undermined by her abrupt and unceremonious deathinDoctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This not only limited her character’s development but also curtailed the exploration of intriguing new storylines that Captain Carter could have brought to the MCU. It led to calls for anMCU Captain Carter spinoffto right these wrongs.
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Will Tom Cruise Ever Leave Mission: Impossible & Would It Really Go On Without Him?
There Has Been No Official Announcement About His Departure
This question of whether Tom Cruise will ever leave theMission: Impossiblefranchise is increasingly pertinent. Not only is he the face of the series, butTom Cruise’s dangerous stunts inMission: Impossiblehave defined the high-octane action and intricate espionage plots of the movies. However, as Cruise ages, there is speculation about how much longer he can continue to push the physical boundaries required for the role. While there has been no official announcement regarding his departure,the franchise will inevitably need to contemplate a future without its iconic lead.
The prospect ofMission: Impossible 9happening without Tom Cruise raises significant questions about the franchise’s viability and appeal. Replacing him would not only require finding an actor capable of matching his intensity and screen presence but also ensuring that the transition feels seamless to fans. Potential successors, such asHayley Atwell’s Grace inMission:Impossible7, hint at a possible passing of the torch. WhileMission: Impossiblecould continue with a new lead, maintaining the same level of excitement and fan loyalty would be a formidable challenge.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
Cast
In Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt and his IMF team face a perilous mission to secure a powerful new weapon that could jeopardize humanity. With familiar adversaries resurfacing, Ethan must navigate global challenges, risking personal bonds to fulfill his mission’s crucial objectives.
