Mission Possible: Tom Cruise Announces the Final Chapter, But Has No Plans to Stop

The premiere of the eighth film, "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning," took place in New York — but if you were already planning to order a monument for Ethan Hunt, hold off. Tom Cruise, who seems to have long ago signed a pact with the devil for eternal youth, once again amazed everyone with his decisiveness: “This is the finale! But I actually plan to make movies until I’m 100.”

Meet the record-holder for the most stunt insurance policies, the human helicopter, and Hitchcock’s biggest fan all in one — Tom Cruise. On the red carpet, he was as energetic as if he’d just escaped from a burning lab with a nuclear briefcase (or a fan rally). “I’m not going to stop. I’ll make action, drama, comedies... Everything!” Cruise promised. It seems Hollywood has found its perpetual motion machine.

Recall that 28 years ago, when the first “Mission: Impossible” was considered a risky venture, Cruise himself had no idea he’d one day be inspired by the career of 80-year-old Harrison Ford. Still, at 62, Cruise has already moved on to “planning movies until I’m 100.” “Each installment is a multitude of rewards: people, cultures, filming, sets... I love making movies!” the actor remarked philosophically. Only his bridge-jumping stunt double could rival him in enthusiasm.

Asked about the secrets of immortality (pardon, preparation for stunts), Cruise answered with his trademark modesty: “I have special rituals. It all depends on the stunt and the amount of training. There’s a ton of thought and preparation.”

Director Christopher McQuarrie, who’s now pulled Cruise from the brink for the fourth time, calls him “the most generous and courageous partner” — even if he doesn’t always fully understand what’s going on. All for the sake of art.

The final chapter of the franchise hits the big screen this Friday. Still, knowing Cruise, the finale is only the beginning of a new era. And, perhaps, another parachute jump in 2086.