Mission Impossible-The Final Reckoning: What We Know So Far

Your mission, should you accept it, is to witness Ethan Hunt and the IMF team take on another high-stakes adventure, picking up from the suspenseful conclusion of 2023’s Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning. The eighth installment of the legendary action franchise marks a historic first—it is a direct sequel to its predecessor. This means fans of spy thrillers, Tom Cruise, and jaw-dropping stunts will finally get to see how the story unfolds when the film hits theaters in the spring of next year. Before then, here’s everything you need to know about

What Is the Title of the New Mission: Impossible Film?

Initially, the movie was set to be called Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 2 or Mission Impossible Final part, but that subtitle was ultimately abandoned. In October 2023, Paramount Pictures announced both the title change and a one-year delay in the release date. While the official reason for the change was not specified, the underwhelming box office performance of Dead Reckoning in July 2023 may have influenced the decision. The studio likely wanted to avoid deterring audiences by branding the new film as a direct continuation of a less successful installment.

In November 2024, the first trailer was released, confirming the new title: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. This name hints at the possibility of it being the last chapter in the franchise, though that remains to be seen.

When Will It Be Released?

The eighth Mission: Impossible Mission: Impossible 8 faced multiple delays due to COVID-19 and the SAG-AFTRA strike. Originally set for 2022, it is now scheduled for a theatrical release on May 23, 2025.

Who’s Directing?

Christopher McQuarrie returns to direct The Final Reckoning, co-writing with Erik Jendresen. He has helmed the series since Rogue Nation.

Who’s In the Cast?

Tom Cruise reprises his iconic role as Ethan Hunt, which he first portrayed in 1996. At 62 years old, this could mark his final appearance as the legendary IMF agent after nearly three decades.

Joining him are franchise regulars Simon Pegg (Benji Dunn) and Ving Rhames (Luther Stickell), along with Hayley Atwell as Grace, a pickpocket-turned-IMF recruit. Esai Morales returns as the formidable antagonist Gabriel, working for the all-powerful AI, the Entity. Additional returning cast members include Vanessa Kirby, Frederick Schmidt, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Pom Klementieff, and Henry Czerny.

New faces include Nick Offerman as Sydney, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Holt McCallany as Secretary of Defense Bernstein; and Hannah Waddingham in an undisclosed role. Other new additions include Katy O’Brian, Janet McTeer, Lucy Tulugarjuk, and Tramell Tillman.

What Happened In Dead Reckoning?

In Dead Reckoning, Ethan and his team pursued two high-tech keys capable of controlling the rogue AI, the Entity. Every world power, including the U.S., sought to harness its power, but Ethan aimed to destroy it. During the mission, he crossed paths with Grace, a skilled thief unknowingly involved in the chase. Meanwhile, Gabriel, an agent of the Entity, sought the keys for his nefarious purposes.

A deadly confrontation in Venice saw the loss of Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), while Grace infiltrated the Orient Express disguised as arms dealer Alanna Mitsopolis. The mission went awry, leading to a chaotic train derailment. Ultimately, Ethan retrieved both keys, while Gabriel escaped. With Grace officially joining the IMF and Paris (Pom Klementieff) revealing that the AI’s core lies within the sunken Russian submarine Sevastopol, Ethan’s next mission became clear—find the submarine and destroy the Entity before Gabriel or any other enemy can use it.

What Can We Expect in The Final Reckoning?

As the franchise’s first true sequel, The Final Reckoning will see Ethan and his allies race to locate the Sevastopol and neutralize the Entity. Given Ethan’s lack of knowledge about the wreck’s location, uncovering this information will likely drive the film’s early narrative. The teaser trailer released in November 2024 confirms these elements but offers little in terms of specific plot details. An official synopsis is still awaited.

Will There Be More Mission: Impossible Films After This?

Initially, Dead Reckoning and its sequel were billed as the epic conclusion to Ethan Hunt’s journey. The title The Final Reckoning suggests a grand finale, yet director Christopher McQuarrie previously stated that these two films are not the end of the series. Tom Cruise has also expressed his desire to continue making Mission: Impossible films for years to come.

How Long Will The Final Reckoning Be?

While the official runtime has yet to be announced, Dead Reckoning ran for 163 minutes—the longest in the series.

Is There a Trailer?

Yes! The first teaser debuted in November 2024. It features a montage of past Mission: Impossible films, interwoven with scenes from The Final Reckoning, highlighting Ethan Hunt’s legacy and heroism. And, of course, there are plenty of shots of Tom Cruise running at full speed.

Is Tom Cruise Still Performing His Own Stunts?

Do you even need to ask? Tom Cruise, known for his dedication to performing death-defying stunts, is pushing the limits again. At the 2022 CinemaCon, he introduced the Dead Reckoning trailer while standing on a flying biplane, only to leap off moments later. That sequence, which wasn’t featured in Dead Reckoning, will appear in The Final Reckoning, proving yet again that Cruise is committed to delivering the ultimate cinematic experience.

Final Words

Get ready for the final chapter—Ethan Hunt’s most impossible mission yet awaits in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, coming May 23, 2025.