With “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” opening to franchise-best numbers, Tom Cruise thanks fans, filmmakers, and theaters in a heartfelt message.
Tom Cruise is basking in the glow of a record-shattering debut for “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”, as the eighth installment in his iconic action franchise smashed box office records over the Memorial Day weekend. In a heartfelt letter posted to his social media, Cruise expressed deep gratitude for everyone involved in bringing this cinematic spectacle to life.
“This weekend was one for the history books!” Cruise wrote. “Congratulations and thank you to every filmmaker, every artist, every crew member, and every single person who works at the studios. To every theater and every employee who helps bring these stories to audiences, thank you.”
He also gave a special shoutout to the teams at Paramount Pictures and Skydance, saying, “Thank you for your many years of partnership and unwavering support. And most of all, THANK YOU to audiences everywhere for whom we all serve and for whom we all LOVE to entertain.”
The domestic box office numbers tell the story of the film’s triumphant opening: $63 million over the three-day weekend and an estimated $77 million across the four-day holiday, marking the highest debut for the 29-year-old franchise and narrowly beating 2018’s “Fallout” ($61 million).
“A record opening on the eighth iteration is remarkable,” said Paramount’s distribution chief, Chris Aronson. “It speaks to the longevity of the franchise. The spectacle of what Tom and McQ [director Christopher McQuarrie] put on screen is one-of-a-kind in today’s marketplace.”
The film’s stunning debut contributed to a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend at the box office, buoyed further by Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch,” which earned $341 million. Cruise’s latest installment is also one of the most expensive movies ever made, with a staggering $400 million production budget.
Ahead of the release, Cruise embarked on a global press tour that included a glamorous French premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. When asked whether “The Final Reckoning” would mark his final appearance as IMF agent Ethan Hunt, Cruise chose to leave fans guessing.
“I’d rather just people see it and enjoy… and we’ve had an amazing time doing it,” he said. “Enjoy this and know everything is the culmination has come to this moment right now.”
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” is now playing in theaters nationwide, bringing jaw-dropping action and a heartfelt farewell—if it is indeed the final chapter.