The action icon Tom Cruise earns standing ovation at Cannes for his daring stunts and emotional sendoff in what may be his final mission as Ethan Hunt
Tom Cruise Delivers a Daring Goodbye in ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Premiere at Cannes
Tom Cruise made an electrifying exit from the “Mission: Impossible” franchise at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, as his final turn as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning drew a rapturous five-minute standing ovation. The packed premiere was marked by high anticipation, a 40-piece orchestra performing the iconic theme, and Cruise’s unwavering commitment to on-screen spectacle.
The film, directed by longtime collaborator Christopher McQuarrie, features Cruise—now 62—executing jaw-dropping practical stunts, including an intense underwater sequence and a brutal three-minute knife fight performed in nothing but boxer briefs. The daring display elicited gasps, but some viewers were worn out by the film’s hefty runtime, with a handful leaving before the final scene.
Still, the crowd inside the Palais was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. As applause rang out, Cruise held his heart and nodded in gratitude. McQuarrie, flanked by cast members including Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett, and Hayley Atwell, delivered a moving speech praising the resilience and unity of the ensemble who weathered a pandemic and two industry strikes over the film’s seven-year production span.
“This response is why we do it,” McQuarrie said. “The big screen experience is why we do it. These actors, their faith and dedication—it’s the only reason this film exists.”
He then handed the mic to Cruise, who reflected on his improbable career arc. “As a kid, I never could have dreamed of something like this,” said Cruise. “It’s been 30 years of entertaining audiences with this franchise, and I’m just so grateful.”
Cruise praised McQuarrie’s creative vision and hinted at more collaborations ahead. “What you’ve done with this world is beyond anything we imagined. I can’t wait to make more films together.”
Though comparisons are inevitable to Top Gun: Maverick, which also premiered at Cannes in 2022 and soared to $1.46 billion worldwide, The Final Reckoning faces high stakes. Its predecessor, 2023’s Dead Reckoning Part One, earned a modest $571 million—a significant drop from 2018’s Fallout, which hit $791 million.
Still, Cruise’s legacy as a box office draw and high-stakes performer remains unmatched.
The film reunites franchise regulars Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Vanessa Kirby, Pom Klementieff, and Henry Czerny, while introducing new faces like Hannah Waddingham, Janet McTeer, and Nick Offerman. Angela Bassett and Rolf Saxon also return.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning hits theaters on May 23, with Paramount Pictures banking on Cruise’s signature stunt-laden magic to deliver a global hit.