Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning is currently being seen as the final installment in the hit action franchise under Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt.
While Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie have not commented on whether it is indeed the final film in the franchise, fans are already speculating regarding its future and who might potentially take over if Cruise does not accept the mission to star in another installment.
Here are the five stars who could take over as the new lead of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Hayley Atwell
Hayley Atwell was a standout when he made her debut in Dead Reckoning, and showed that her character is a great equal partner for Ethan Hunt. She will appear again in The Final Reckoning.
She is arguably the most logical replacement for the lead position if Cruise does not return in the next film. She has the chops and gravitas to show that she can take the mantle if she chooses to accept.
Glen Powell
Glen Powell has become one of the rising stars in Hollywood today, and part of it is due to his scene-stealing turn in Top Gun: Maverick, co-starring Cruise.
We've also seen that Cruise served as his mentor as he is navigating his rising career in the business. He showed his chops as an action star through the various films that he has starred in so far.
Miles Teller
Another Top Gun: Maverick star, Miles Teller, is also a potential contender who could take over the Mission: Impossible franchise, given his connection to Cruise and his chops as a leading actor.
While he doesn't have a lot of stunt-driven action movies in his resume so far, he is a talented actor who has the charisma of a movie star, and his relationship with Cruise could help him navigate the Mission: Impossible arena if he also chooses to accept.
Michael B. Jordan
While this is out of the realm of possibility given his busy schedule and other commitments, Michael B. Jordan would be a great choice if he becomes the new star of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
We've known for years that he has the chops of a great actor across all genres, including action. Cruise also supported his film Sinners recently, which shows that he has a lot of respect for the actor.
Monica Barbaro
Monica Barbaro would also be a great choice as the next lead of the franchise. Not only has she worked with Cruise before on Top Gun: Maverick, but she has also starred in action projects such as FUBAR.
Barbaro is also currently seen as one of the young actresses to look out for in Hollywood following her surprise Oscar nomination earlier this year. Mission: Impossible could propel her into becoming a bigger star.
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