Paramount has utilized an interesting strategy for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the fourth entry in the popular spy franchise. Recognizing that Tom Cruise might not be the box office draw he once was, the latest film is being designed as something of a standalone entry and will evidently have more of an ensemble feel.
Furthermore, there was an understanding that one of the new supporting players could potentially act as a contingency plan for the studio to carry on the Mission: Impossible films once Cruise decided to retire his Ethan Hunt character.
When Jeremy Renner signed on to the project in late August, many speculated that he was being groomed to take over for Cruise. During a recent chat with MTV, Renner all but confirmed this:
“It’s a franchise to potentially take over … I can’t predict the future and what they want, but that’s certainly the idea.”
At this point, Cruise is still expected to take part in a fifth Mission: Impossible film (should that come to pass) – but if audiences are receptive to Renner, Cruise may find himself relegated to a smaller role. Renner isn’t sure if that passing of the torch will be acknowledged or even hinted at in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol:
“I can’t really go into the details of the script, because that’s still evolving … It’s Tom’s baby. He’s the engine behind the thing. What happens after that, we’ll see.”
What he is certain of is that the stunt work in the film is second to none and that Cruise has raised the bar for everyone involved:
“I haven’t gotten to work too much in terms of acting stuff, but the stunts have been insane … Tom has been doing loads. He’s crazy, that guy. It’s unbelievable. He’s fearless. He’s great to watch. He inspires me to want to be better. I’m training in the gym and working out and fighting and doing everything I can to try and keep up. I’m doing hand-to-hand combat, Muay Thai and Kung Fu and learning how to take someone out quickly. I need to look like I know what I’m doing!”
I’m a big fan of Renner’s and remain hopeful that the level of talent this project has attracted is indicative of its potential. In addition to Cruise and Renner, franchise veterans Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg will return. The supporting cast is rounded out by Josh Holloway, Paula Patton, Vladimir Mashkov, and Michael Nyqvist.
I still like Cruise as an actor and he’s in great shape for his age. Actually, scratch that – he’s in great shape period. I see no reason why he couldn’t take part in a few more Mission: Impossible sequels (even if it has to be in a smaller capacity). Renner’s more than qualified to take the reins and I have no issue with him becoming the new face of the franchise.
Honestly, while I understand that the series needs a leading man, I’ve always felt these films needed a stronger emphasis on teamwork. It sounds like that might finally be the case with Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Cruise and the franchise have become easy targets, but I genuinely think this entry might shape up nicely.
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol is slated to hit theaters on December 16, 2011.
Source: MTV Movies Blog.
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well, glad to see jeremy renner gettting some good roles. i still think he would have made a great green lantern… excellent and very realistic actor..
To hell With GL , he is going to be a great Hawkeye hopefully an Ultimates version, the kick ass kill every thing SHIELD Agent
Oh yeah cos Hawkeye isn’t a green arrow rip off at all. Yawn
Great news, Jeremy Renner is a great actor. I am sick of that picture with his tongue out though.
Renner’s a great actor and all, but he’s no where near the box off draw of even a diminished Tom Cruise.
If you’re going to hand over the franchise, why not groom someone much younger for the role? Renner’s pushing 40, and looks every bit his age. This move doesn’t make any sense to me. Mainstream audiences don’t even know who Jeremy Renner is!
Renner rocks
i absolutely know who renner is
- MAIN S. AUDIENCE
LMBO!
He’s a decent actor but every film I’ve seen him in, he has very little personality that comes across on film.
really did you see the HURT LOCKER , cause he was amazing in that movie, and he oozed personality, might be one of the reasons the movie won a few Academy Awards
I agree with DSB, Denned has little personality on screen. And every friend of mine who’s served scoffs at that movie. His character would have been reprimanded a dozen times in that film.
David Morse did a good job at reprimanding him, in a mocking fashion
Oh I’ve seen the hurt locker, I didn’t care for it at all.
I thought it was OK, Oscar worthy, NO. But hell Bigelow beat out the ex hubby so props to her.
The working title for ‘the hurt locker’ was actually ‘up yours James Cameron!’
Oh man bad career choice.
hmm
Jeremy Renner taking over the franchise is a good choice, TOm Cruise can make a cameo or play a minor role in future films….
I don’t think Cruise will want to appear in a cameo or minor roles in any MI films unless the fee is high. He is a little too ‘proud’ of himself.
I agree with Chris regarding the importance of teamwork in MI series. The Tom Cruise’s MI is more of a ‘one-man show’ highlighting Cruise himself. I never liked him. I felt that The Losers shows more teamwork than any latest MI series. At least, I get to know Rogue, Pooch etc.