'No Replication': Fans Say It 'Wouldn't Be the Same' If Tom Cruise's 'Top Gun: Maverick' Co-Star Replaced Him in the 'Mission: Impossible' Franchise

"Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" hits theaters on May 23, 2025, featuring Tom Cruise in what could be his final role as Ethan Hunt.

Powell has responded to the speculations that he might replace Cruise in a conversation with ESPN's Pat McAfee. The 36-year-old appeared to humorously, dismiss the rumor, "My mom would never let me do that."

Glen Powell and Tom Cruise attend the Korea Red Carpet for "Top Gun: Maverick" at Lotte World in Seoul, South Korea, on June 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

He added a playful jab at the high-risk "Mission: Impossible" franchise, calling it "the worst gig in town, everybody knows that." "That's a death trap," Powell added in reference to the fact that Cruise performs his own stunts in the action series such as scaling tall buildings and driving motorcycles off cliffs.

Fans shared passionate responses to the idea of Powell stepping into Cruise's shoes in "Mission: Impossible," with some strongly opposing the idea. One fan declared, "Nobody can replace Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible franchise." Another added, "I want Tom Cruise to always start in the Mission Impossible movies. Wouldn't be the same without him."

Someone chimed in with their firm stance, "I would not be watching. To me it's insane how Hollywood tries to push some actors on you." Others voiced their concerns about Powell stepping in, "Glen will ruin Tom Cruise's legacy. He shouldn't deserve it."

Tom Cruise and Glen Powell attend the screening of "Top Gun: Maverick" during the 75th annual Cannes film festival in Cannes, France, on May 18, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

One fan expressed admiration but was also doubtful, "I love Glen Powell, but I do not think he's gonna learn how to fly a helicopter or jump out of a plane to take over the MI franchise. Tom Cruise is one of one. No replication. No replacing." Another devoted fan wrote, "Just wouldn't be the same without Tom."

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"Why? Cruise led this franchise; he should wrap it up," someone else suggested. Despite the resistance, one fan felt Powell had potential, writing, "No one will ever truly do it better than Tom Cruise. Glen Powell would be a very good choice, imo." 

Glen Powell attends the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Twisters" in Los Angeles, California, on July 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

But the prevailing sentiment was to end the franchise with Tom Cruise as one fan noted, "No no no... I have nothing against Glen Powell. Great actor, love his work... but you don't replace Ethan Hunt in his own franchise. Tom Cruise IS that franchise. Just let it die if Cruise quits. Write a satisfying ending. Not like this, please. Let it end with dignity."

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The trailer for the upcoming "Mission Impossible" film, "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning" also dropped on November 1, stirring excitement among its fans. The trailer is packed with high-stakes action, breathtaking stunts, and hints at Hunt's biggest challenge yet. It promises an epic showdown in Cruise's possible final turn as the iconic agent.

Most fans expressed appreciation for Cruise and the iconic franchise he helped create. They also shared heartfelt sentiments and deep nostalgia as they prepared for the potential end of the series.

One excited fan gushed, "One last Rodeo. From childhood to adolescence to adulthood. Thank you Tom!" Another fan quoted Cruise in the latest series, "I need you to trust me one last time... This is a direct message to us from Tom. Yes, we do... We will miss this series for sure 😢."