In a refreshing display of humor and humility, rising Hollywood star Glen Powell has decisively addressed swirling rumors about his potential succession of Tom Cruise in the legendary Mission: Impossible franchise. The response came during a spontaneous FaceTime call on The Pat McAfee Show, where Powell’s quick-witted reply caught both fans and industry insiders by surprise.
“My mom would never let me do that,” Powell declared with characteristic charm, immediately dubbing the stunt-heavy franchise “a death trap.” His playful response has since sparked widespread discussion across entertainment circles, highlighting the delicate dance of Hollywood succession planning.
The timing of these rumors is particularly interesting, coming on the heels of the recent trailer release for “Mission: Impossible: The Final Reckoning,” the eighth installment in the action-packed series. With the word “final” looming large in the title, speculation about the franchise’s future has reached fever pitch.
The Powell-Cruise connection runs deeper than mere rumors. Their dynamic partnership in “Top Gun: Maverick” showed remarkable on-screen chemistry, with Powell’s portrayal of Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin earning widespread acclaim. This collaboration sparked inevitable comparisons between the two actors, with many noting their shared attributes: the magnetic charm, the athletic prowess, and that quintessential American appeal.
Behind the scenes, their relationship flourished beyond mere professional courtesy. Cruise, known for his mentorship of emerging talent, gifted Powell flying lessons during the Maverick production. “After I got my pilot’s license, there was a little card that just said, ‘Welcome to the skies,'” Powell revealed in a previous Entertainment Weekly interview, highlighting the genuine bond between the two actors.
The conversation about succession gains additional weight considering Cruise’s age—now 62—though his commitment to performing death-defying stunts shows no signs of waning. From hanging off airplanes to scaling the world’s tallest building, Cruise’s dedication to authentic action sequences has set an intimidating benchmark for any potential successor.
Currently, Powell is channeling his energy into other exciting projects, including Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man,” which he enthusiastically described as “going to be sick!” His recent success in “Twisters” opposite Daisy Edgar Jones further cements his status as a leading man capable of carrying major productions.
Industry observers note that Powell’s trajectory from supporting roles in films like “Everybody Wants Some!!” to leading blockbusters mirrors Cruise’s own rise to stardom. However, Powell’s response to the succession rumors demonstrates a refreshing respect for Cruise’s legacy and the challenging nature of the Mission: Impossible franchise.
Neither Christopher McQuarrie, the franchise’s director, nor Cruise himself have commented on the succession rumors or the significance of “Final” in the upcoming film’s title. “Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning” is set to hit theaters on May 23, 2025, promising another round of jaw-dropping stunts and high-stakes espionage.
As Hollywood continues to speculate about the future of this beloved franchise, one thing remains clear: whoever eventually steps into Ethan Hunt’s shoes—if anyone does—will need more than just their mother’s permission. They’ll need to capture the unique blend of charisma, dedication, and fearlessness that has made the Mission: Impossible series a cornerstone of action cinema for nearly three decades.
For now, Glen Powell seems content to let this particular mission pass him by, proving that sometimes the most impossible thing in Hollywood is finding someone willing to fill Tom Cruise’s gravity-defying shoes.