Glen Powell laughs off rumors of replacing Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible

In a whirlwind of speculation, the internet recently buzzed with rumors suggesting that Glen Powell might step into Tom Cruise’s iconic role in the Mission: Impossible franchise. This chatter caught the attention of sports commentator Pat McAfee, who decided to get the truth straight from the horse’s mouth.

McAfee’s surprise call to Powell on his show

During his November 12 broadcast of The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee decided to FaceTime Powell live on air to address the rumor. He greeted Powell enthusiastically and read the gossip aloud, saying, “We just want to call and say congratulations, brother.” Powell, with his characteristic charm, playfully dismissed the claim.

“My mom would never let me do that,” Powell chuckled. He went on to describe the Mission: Impossible series as the “worst gig in town,” highlighting the franchise’s notorious stunt sequences. “That’s a death trap,” he added, nodding to the fact that Tom Cruise himself performs the perilous stunts that define the series, from dangling off a moving airplane to scaling the tallest building in the world and motorcycling off cliffs.

Analyzing the intensity of Mission: Impossible stunts

The stunts in the Mission: Impossible series are legendary and require an extraordinary level of physical and mental preparation. Cruise, who has become synonymous with high-octane action scenes, continuously pushes the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking. For instance, the scene in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation where Cruise hangs off the side of an Airbus A400M took months of preparation and involved numerous safety measures, yet it still demanded immense courage and commitment from the actor.

These stunts, while thrilling to watch, underscore the immense risk involved in performing them. Powell’s light-hearted reluctance reflects a realistic perspective on the daunting challenges associated with such daring feats.

Transitioning to lighter topics: Football and new roles

After the laughter died down, McAfee couldn’t resist shouting, “He’s lying!” in jest. The conversation quickly shifted to a more relaxed discussion about college football, showcasing the easy camaraderie between the two.

Before wrapping up the call, Powell took the opportunity to share exciting news about his current project. He revealed he was on the set of Edgar Wright’s upcoming film, The Running Man, and teased, “It’s gonna be sick!” This revelation is sure to excite fans eager to see Powell take on new and diverse roles.

What’s next for Mission: Impossible and Glen Powell?

The eighth installment of the Mission: Impossible series, titled The Final Reckoning, is slated for release on May 23, 2025. Despite the title suggesting a conclusive end, it remains unclear whether this will mark Tom Cruise’s final appearance as Ethan Hunt.

Interestingly, both Powell and Cruise have shared the screen before in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. The film saw them not only acting but also performing many of their own stunts, cementing their reputations as action stars. Powell further solidified his action hero status this year with his role in Twisters, where he starred alongside Daisy Edgar Jones. Cruise’s support for Powell’s career was evident when he attended the premiere of Twisters, sharing his enthusiasm with fans on social media.

Glen Powell’s diverse portfolio

Glen Powell’s career trajectory is nothing short of impressive. From his breakout role in Scream Queens to his critically acclaimed performance in Hidden Figures, Powell has demonstrated remarkable versatility. His upcoming project, The Running Man, directed by the imaginative Edgar Wright, promises to be yet another exciting addition to his diverse filmography. Wright, known for his inventive storytelling and kinetic visual style, is sure to craft a film that plays to Powell’s strengths.

Powell’s playful jab at the Mission: Impossible rumors and his acknowledgment of the franchise’s demanding nature only add to his charm and relatability. His reluctance to replace Tom Cruise is a testament to both his respectful acknowledgment of Cruise’s legacy and an understanding of the physical demands such a role would entail.

Cruise’s enduring legacy

Tom Cruise’s impact on the action genre cannot be overstated. His dedication to performing his stunts has set a new standard in Hollywood, inspiring both awe and concern among fans and peers. Whether it’s flying fighter jets in Top Gun: Maverick or scaling the Burj Khalifa in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Cruise’s commitment to authenticity enhances the cinematic experience, albeit at great personal risk.

As the anticipation builds for The Final Reckoning, fans of the franchise and newcomers alike eagerly await to see what breathtaking stunts Cruise will perform next. Whether this marks the end of Ethan Hunt’s journey or sets the stage for a new beginning, the legacy of Mission: Impossible as a trailblazing action series remains unshaken.

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