Glen Powell Dismisses Replacement Rumors for Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible: Says ‘My Mom Would Never Let Me Do That’

Glen Powell has made it clear that he has no intention of replacing Tom Cruise in the “Mission: Impossible” series, despite rumors circulating about his possible future involvement in the iconic action franchise. In a candid moment during an appearance on Pat McAfee’s show, Powell humorously addressed the speculation, stating, “My mom would never let me do that.”

The rumors about Powell stepping into Cruise’s legendary role as Ethan Hunt surfaced amid growing comparisons between the two actors, particularly after Powell’s breakout role in “Top Gun: Maverick.” However, Powell quickly dismissed the idea, calling the “Mission: Impossible” franchise “the worst gig in town” and referring to it as “a death trap” due to the intense stunts that Cruise has famously performed for years.

The Powell-Cruise Comparison Heats Up

Ever since Glen Powell made his mark as the charming sidekick in movies like Everybody Wants Some!! and Sex Ed, his rise to leading man status has drawn comparisons to Tom Cruise, especially after Powell starred alongside Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. Powell’s portrayal of Lt. Jake “Hangman” Seresin, a daring pilot who shares a mentor-mentee relationship with Cruise’s character, brought the similarities between the two actors into sharp focus.

Powell’s good looks, strong physique, and all-American charisma have made him a natural successor in the eyes of many fans and commentators. However, Powell himself is quick to steer clear of such comparisons. While he acknowledged the friendship between him and Cruise, and even shared how Cruise gifted him flying lessons after Powell obtained his pilot’s license, he remains focused on his own career path rather than trying to fill Cruise’s shoes in the action genre.

Tom Cruise’s Influence and the Future of the Franchise

The speculation surrounding Powell’s potential involvement in future Mission: Impossible films ties into the looming question of how the franchise will evolve as Tom Cruise ages. The series, which began in 1996 with Mission: Impossible directed by Brian De Palma, has become a global action staple, largely due to Cruise’s daring stunts and the character of Ethan Hunt. With Cruise now in his 60s, the question of whether the franchise could continue without him, or even pass the torch to another actor, has been a topic of ongoing discussion.

However, the upcoming Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning trailer, which dropped recently, suggests that Ethan Hunt’s journey might be nearing its end. While the word “final” in the title implies that this could be the end for Cruise’s character, it remains uncertain whether the franchise will be extended or if a spin-off could emerge. If so, Powell’s established friendship with Cruise could certainly pave the way for him to take on a bigger role, though Powell himself continues to focus on his own projects for now.

Powell’s rising career, bolstered by his impressive performances in films like Top Gun: Maverick and the romantic comedy Anyone But You, indicates that he is more than capable of charting his own path without needing to replace Cruise. Nonetheless, the public’s fascination with the possibility of Powell taking over the Mission: Impossible mantle continues, given their shared on-screen chemistry and the enduring legacy of Cruise’s character.

For more updates on Glen Powell and the Mission: Impossible franchise, tune in to Vviptimes.