In a culture where endless sequels and nonsensical IP cash grabs have muddied the grandeur of blockbuster cinema, it’s nice to know we still have Tom Cruise and “Mission: Impossible.” The 7-film franchise hasn’t had one miss yet — despite what many may say about the first sequel directed by John Woo — and looks to continue its streak with number 8, titled “The Final Reckoning.” This latest installment picks up directly following the events of the previous film, “Dead Reckoning,” which sees legendary spy Ethan Hunt face his most lethal foe yet in the form of an A.I. known as the Entity. Watch the trailer for the film below.
Originally titled “Dead Reckoning Part Two,” “The Final Reckoning” completes the plot set up in the previous film, with Hunt now in possession of the key necessary to defeat the Entity. But before he can do that, he must first gather his team to find the sunken Russian submarine that houses the source code needed to destroy the technology. This includes returning cohorts Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg, as well as new players Hayley Atwell and Pom Klementieff, both of whom appeared as adversaries in “Dead Reckoning Part One.”
Footage of Cruise’s death-defying stunts for “The Final Reckoning” — including hanging off the side of a WWI bi-plane and holding his breath as a submarine fills with water — was first unveiled at CinemaCon 2025 last week with star himself in attendance. He would go on to present an award to the film’s co-writer/director, Christopher McQuarrie, later in the week. Cruise also recently discussed shooting the underwater scenes in an interview with Empire.
“I’m breathing in my own carbon dioxide,” Cruise said. “It builds up in the body and affects the muscles. You have to overcome all of that while you’re doing it, and be present.”
In celebration of the Memorial Day Weekend release of “The Final Reckoning,” Museum of the Moving Image is hosting a special “Mission: Impossible” exhibition that honors the stunt work involved in making the series so special. It will feature sections on each films, accompanied by behind-the-scenes footage and artifacts. This exhibit opens April 18.
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