MOVIE NEWS – Watching a Mission: Impossible movie is always an adrenaline rush, thanks to Tom Cruise’s relentless drive to push boundaries and thrill audiences. According to longtime franchise director Christopher McQuarrie, this year’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning may have pushed the envelope even further, delivering action so intense that one viewer reportedly almost suffered a heart attack—something the director sees as high praise.

Though the movie is set to hit theaters on May 23, McQuarrie revealed that feedback from a small test screening suggested the film might be his most pulse-pounding yet. Speaking with Empire Magazine, McQuarrie recounted:

“We had a small screening, and someone said, ‘I was suffocating during the entire sequence. I nearly had a heart attack.’ And I thought, ‘Well, I guess we’re doing something right.’”

Fans of the series hardly need reassurance that Cruise’s latest outing as Ethan Hunt will feature jaw-dropping stunts and heart-stopping action. Still, such early buzz could boost anticipation—and box office returns—for the eighth installment in the franchise, which carries a staggering reported budget of $400 million.

What Comes After The Final Reckoning for Ethan Hunt?

At the moment, the future of Ethan Hunt remains uncertain beyond The Final Reckoning. Initially announced alongside Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, the two movies were intended to form a two-part story, with the latter serving as a direct continuation. However, after Dead Reckoning fell short of its potential, Paramount decided to separate the narratives. As excitement builds for the upcoming film, speculation is growing about what might follow.

Last year, Simon Pegg, a franchise veteran, lauded the film, calling it the best entry yet due to the mind-blowing feats Cruise accomplished during production. Pegg said:

“I just wrapped up filming and have one day of pickups left. I’ve seen parts of it. It’s insane. Absolutely insane. What he does in this one defies belief. I honestly think it’s the best of the series, and I’m not just saying that because I have to.”

Such high praise bodes well for The Final Reckoning’s box office prospects this May. There have even been whispers that Cruise is searching for an actor to portray a younger Ethan Hunt in a flashback sequence, potentially setting the stage for a ninth film. However, Paramount has yet to announce plans for another installment. With Dead Reckoning underperforming, the franchise’s fate likely hinges on how The Final Reckoning performs at the box office.

Source: MovieWeb