Tom Cruise’s Final Mission: Impossible Is ‘Going to Be Very Successful,’ Says Costar Holt McCallany – Here’s Why
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
As the summer blockbuster season approaches, excitement continues to build for the final installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. Holt McCallany, who plays Secretary of Defense Bernstein in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, is confident that the film, slated for release on May 23, 2025, will be a resounding success.
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at the premiere of his upcoming movie The Amateur in New York City, McCallany, 61, shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated film and the iconic Mission: Impossible franchise, which has captivated audiences since 1996. “I haven’t seen Mission: Impossible [The Final Reckoning] yet, but I’ve seen all of the preceding films, and it’s a great franchise,” McCallany said. His enthusiasm for the series and the direction it’s taken under the helm of director Christopher McQuarrie was palpable.
McCallany also spoke fondly of his collaboration with McQuarrie, calling him “a wonderful guy, a great writer, a great director, and really a great human being.” The actor, who refers to McQuarrie affectionately as “McQ,” expressed how privileged he felt to work with the director, who has been instrumental in shaping the Mission: Impossible films since Rogue Nation (2015).
As for the film itself, McCallany was quick to praise the star power of his costar, Tom Cruise, noting that, “Tom is the biggest movie star in the world, and there’s a reason for that.” Reflecting on his involvement in the final chapter of the Mission: Impossible saga, McCallany said, “I was really happy to be a part of that project, and I think it’s going to be very successful, especially to be a part of what’s going to be the last installment of that franchise.”
A Thrilling Conclusion to a 30-Year Legacy
Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, which is the eighth film in the series, will pick up where Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning left off, with Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team continuing their battle against the rogue artificial intelligence known as “The Entity.” The stakes have never been higher, as Hunt and his team face off against a force that threatens to plunge the world into chaos.
In a February interview with Empire magazine, both Cruise and McQuarrie discussed the significance of the film, with Cruise describing it as “an epic, emotional journey of the entire franchise.” He likened the film to “Homeric” tales, drawing comparisons to ancient Greek legends such as The Odyssey and The Iliad. For Cruise, the final film represents the culmination of a 30-year story arc, and he’s confident that fans will find the conclusion satisfying. “It’s a hard thing for me to discuss at the moment because it really is something that you have to experience,” Cruise said, hinting at the emotional payoff fans can expect.
A Star-Studded Cast and New Additions
The Final Reckoning brings back familiar faces, including Ving Rhames as Luther Stickell, Simon Pegg as Benji Dunn, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell as Grace, Shea Whigham, Pom Klementieff as Paris, and Henry Czerny, who all reprise their roles from previous films. Additionally, new cast members such as Nick Offerman, Bob Odenkirk, Janet McTeer, Hannah Waddingham, and Katy O’Brian join the ensemble, bringing fresh energy to the franchise as it draws to a close.
The Countdown to Release
With Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning slated for release in May 2025, expectations are high for what promises to be an action-packed and emotionally charged conclusion to one of the most successful film franchises in history. McCallany’s optimism and enthusiasm for the project suggest that the final film will not only deliver thrilling action sequences but also offer a satisfying, heartfelt conclusion to the saga of Ethan Hunt.
As McCallany so confidently predicted, The Final Reckoning is poised to be “very successful” — a fitting conclusion to a franchise that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats for three decades. Fans can mark their calendars for May 23, 2025, as Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning hits theaters, ready to take its final, explosive leap into cinematic history.
