Tom Cruise Drops Jaw-Dropping Confession: “Wouldn’t Change a Single Thing” About Mission: Impossible Legacy!

After three decades of daring stunts, global intrigue, and redefining the modern action blockbuster, Tom Cruise brought the curtain down—at least for now—on one of Hollywood’s most celebrated franchises. On Sunday, May 18, the 62-year-old megastar walked the red carpet at Lincoln Center in New York City for the U.S. premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth—and potentially final—installment in the legendary series.

Cruise was joined by longtime collaborator and director Christopher McQuarrie, as well as co-stars Angela Bassett, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny, Tramell Tillman, and Nick Offerman. The event marked a moment of celebration and reflection for a cast and crew who have pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking for over 30 years.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Cruise reflected on his remarkable journey as Ethan Hunt, a role that has become synonymous with his career. “I did the best you can, and it’s representing all the efforts of everyone involved at that particular moment,” he said. “I really see what it takes to make these movies and what I’ve learned about storytelling [in] this particular genre.” Asked if he’d do anything differently, Cruise was unequivocal: “I wouldn’t change a thing.”

The new film, which received a five-minute standing ovation after its world premiere at Cannes on May 14, skillfully weaves together storylines and characters from across the franchise’s history. This time, Hunt and his team face their greatest threat yet: an advanced artificial intelligence known as the Entity, whose power to upend the world order poses a threat unlike anything they’ve seen before—a plot first teased in 2023’s Dead Reckoning.

The night was not just about looking back. Cruise was clearly energized by the next generation of Hollywood, referencing his encounter with Sinners star Michael B. Jordan at the London premiere. “He’s enormously talented… a great actor, dedicated to his craft,” Cruise shared. “I love to see people do well in life… People know my door is always open.”

Despite the film’s “final reckoning” title and rumors swirling about his departure, Cruise was tight-lipped about the franchise’s future. For now, he’s content to celebrate the journey—and the high bar he and his team have set for action cinema.

As fans filled the theater and the cast celebrated another successful mission, it was clear: Tom Cruise has no regrets. He’s left it all on the screen, and for audiences everywhere, that’s a legacy worth applauding.