Tom Cruise and writer/director Christopher McQuarrie likely figured that their next collaboration would be a second Jack Reacher movie. Because that film didn't pull in the numbers Paramount had expected (earning $190M globally), a sequel is unlikely … meaning Cruise and McQuarrie have to look to another action franchise for their next possible gig.
On Twitter, McQuarrie was asked if he's the next in line to direct a Mission: Impossible movie with Cruise in the lead as secret agent Ethan Hunt. The director said that he was "deciding to accept" the job, only clarify later that, "Deciding to accept is not the same as ‘Decided to accept.'" So the door is open for McQuarrie to go in a different direction. His choice of words definitely suggests, though, that earlier rumors were true, and that some sort of offer has been given to the director. Paramount has been mum so far.
The M:I franchise has been defined by its unique choices in directors. Brian De Palma kicked off the film franchise – which adapted a popular television series – but the sequels lured names like John Woo, J.J. Abrams and Brad Bird.
McQuarrie did a bang-up job with Jack Reacher, and I think he'd be a fine choice to continue the Mission: Impossible series … should he choose to accept it. This one feels like it's about to be decided.
Did you see Jack Reacher? Do you want McQuarrie to direct the next Impossible movie? Share your thoughts below.
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