'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.

Reports suggest that Tom Cruise is considering his "Top Gun: Maverick" co-star, Glen Powell, to take over as the lead in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, a move that has sparked strong reactions from longtime fans.

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."

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."

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."

"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."

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."

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 😢."

The upcoming movie struck an emotional chord for some longtime fans, who said, "Geez why am I crying?! I've been a fan of these movies since I was 8 years old when I would watch the first on VHS over and over lol."

The fan also gushed, "Tom Cruise is my favorite actor and action star, and I love how much of himself he gives so that we the audience are constantly entertained! If this is the final mission I hope they go out with a bang!! 🧨"

Others were ready to celebrate "Mission: Impossible's" legacy, "If this really is the last Mission Impossible film, I need to say, this series will go down as the greatest action franchise of all time. Thanks to Tom Cruise and the extraordinary team behind every one of these films."

And finally, one fan summed up what so many seemed to feel, "Tom Cruise has put everything into these movies. One last ride. Thank You Tom Cruise."

As he gears for what could be his last ride, Cruise is reportedly putting his trust in Powell, who has spoken positively about him in the past. Powell shared that Cruise is "a great friend and a great supporter," who has shown up for him when he needed him to.

"He's been just a guy that's changed my life in more ways than I can tell you," Powell added. The "Twisters" star doesn't know how his acting journey will turn out but he is grateful to have the guidance of Cruise, who has already walked this path.

Cruise and Powell's friendship has flourished since they filmed the 2022 action film "Top Gun: Maverick." Powell considers the movie star his "great mentor," who makes up a special part of his life.

Glen Powell reflected on the transformative experience of working on "Top Gun: Maverick" with Cruise, saying it had a major impact on his life. The project taught him valuable insights about creating a blockbuster, and he applied many of those lessons to "Twisters," which he believed greatly improved the film.

Cruise showed up at the London premiere of "Twisters, to support Powell, who shared that he had personally invited Cruise, a genuine gesture of their friendship. An excited Cruise captioned a picture of the two of them at the premiere, "Fun night with friends, watching a movie!!"