Mission: Impossible 9 Gains Momentum After Space Film Canceled

Tom Cruise’s Career Shift and the Future of Mission: Impossible

Tom Cruise’s iconic role as Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible franchise was expected to come to an end with the release of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. This film was marketed as the final chapter in the series, which has grossed over $4.7 billion worldwide. Prior to this, Cruise had been working on other projects to transition away from his most successful cinematic endeavors. However, the ending of The Final Reckoning did not fully close the door on future adventures.

Ethan Hunt survives the events of the film, and while he steps down from the IMF to become the guardian of The Entity, there is still room for Cruise to return for Mission: Impossible 9. In fact, Cruise has previously expressed a desire to continue the franchise as long as Harrison Ford did with Indiana Jones. Despite the lack of official plans for the next installment, the possibility remains open, especially given Cruise’s recent setbacks in other projects.

A Space Movie That Never Took Off

One of Cruise’s most ambitious ventures was a space-themed film that aimed to be the first feature-length movie shot in space. Announced in 2020, the project was set to involve NASA and SpaceX, with Doug Liman attached as director. The film was intended to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling, but it faced significant technological and logistical challenges.

Unfortunately, the project was ultimately canceled due to Cruise’s refusal to ask President Donald Trump for a favor that would have helped advance the production. This decision came alongside other setbacks, such as the development issues surrounding Deeper, another film co-starring Ana de Armas. The project, which had been in the works for years, also struggled with budgeting and has yet to find a new home.

As a result, two key projects that were meant to mark a new era in Cruise’s career have fallen apart. With no major progress on other films, it’s possible that the actor may return to his most successful franchises.

The Return of Mission: Impossible or Top Gun?

With the cancellation of his space movie, Cruise could soon be circling back to the Mission: Impossible franchise. While he has been involved in high-budget, original action films, many of these have failed to materialize. As a result, his involvement in established intellectual properties might once again be seen as a way to keep him at the center of Hollywood.

Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the Mission: Impossible series, is currently under new leadership with CEO David Ellison. One of his priorities has been to focus on franchises, and it makes sense that the studio would want to keep one of its most profitable series running. Although Cruise had a falling out with Ellison in 2021 over budget concerns, they reportedly reconciled in 2025. This meeting could have included discussions about the potential for Mission: Impossible 9 to move forward in the coming years.

Another possibility is that the meeting was related to Top Gun 3. This franchise has been more successful in recent years than Mission: Impossible, making it a more attractive option for Cruise. If he decides to pivot back to franchise-based projects, Top Gun 3 could take precedence over Mission: Impossible 9.

What’s Next for Tom Cruise?

With his ambitions in space and other original projects now stalled, Cruise may find himself returning to the franchises that have defined his career. Whether it’s Mission: Impossible 9 or Top Gun 3, the actor’s next move could shape the future of his cinematic legacy. For now, fans will have to wait and see which direction he chooses.