Hollywood actor Tom Cruise has signalled that his acting career is far from over, even as he prepares to bid farewell to the long-running Mission: Impossible franchise with its upcoming instalment, Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning, set for global release on May 23.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the film’s red carpet premiere in New York City’s AMC Lincoln Square, Cruise confirmed that the eighth film in the franchise would indeed be the last, stating, “It’s the final! It’s not called ‘final’ for nothing.”
The film, which follows a successful debut at the Cannes and London premieres earlier this month, marks the apparent conclusion of Cruise’s iconic role as IMF agent Ethan Hunt — a character he has portrayed for nearly three decades.
However, the 61-year-old actor made it clear that retirement is not in his plans.
“I actually said I’m going to make movies into my 80s; actually, I’m going to make them into my 100s,” said the Top Gun: Maverick star. “I will never stop. I will never stop doing action, I will never stop doing drama, comedy films. I’m excited.”
Cruise had earlier cited the enduring career of 80-year-old Harrison Ford as an inspiration, expressing interest in continuing action roles well into old age.
In a separate appearance at the British Film Institute (BFI) in London, Cruise also revealed that one genre remains unfulfilled on his acting bucket list.
“Definitely musicals,” he said, when asked about any roles he still aspired to take on.
Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning boasts a star-studded ensemble cast including Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Greg Tarzan Davis, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Charles Parnell, Holt McCallany, Nick Offerman, Tramell Tillman and Katy O’Brian.
