Tom Cruise is looking back on his decades-long Mission: Impossible journey and calling it what many fans already think it is, an unforgettable ride.
The 62-year-old actor, who’s played iconic secret agent Ethan Hunt since 1996, took to Instagram to reflect on his experience working on the eight films that make up the franchise so far.
“Over 30 years ago, I began the journey of producing my first film, Mission: Impossible,” Cruise wrote. “Since then, these eight films have taken me on the adventure of a lifetime.” Alongside his heartfelt message, he shared behind-the-scenes photos from across the series, giving fans a nostalgic glimpse into the world they’ve followed for nearly three decades.
Cruise didn’t just look inward, he gave credit where it’s due. He thanked the directors, actors, artists, and crews from all over the world who helped bring Ethan Hunt’s high-stakes missions to life. “To the incredible directors, actors, artists, and crews across the globe that have helped bring these stories to life, I thank you,” he said. “It has been a privilege to work alongside you all.”
And of course, he didn’t forget the fans. “Most importantly, I want to thank the audience, for whom it is our great pleasure to create these films, and for whom we all serve. We’re thrilled to share The Final Reckoning with you.”
Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning is the latest installment and promises to be Cruise’s most daring yet. Known for doing his own stunts, Cruise once again pushes the limits, something he readily admits. Speaking with Extra, he said, “I always go too far, but I don’t mind it. I always go too far.”
And he’s not exaggerating. The actor has suffered injuries over the years, including a broken ankle during a stunt in Mission: Impossible-Fallout. But that hasn’t slowed him down. “I fly aerobatic airplanes, I fly jets, I fly helicopters,” Cruise said. “This took all of our ability and all of our skill to be able to find the camera angles to tell this story.”
Staying in peak physical shape has been part of the job, and Cruise says this latest film will deliver in a big way. “Physically, what I had to do to prepare for this thing was quite extreme,” he added. “Whatever people see in the trailer or on TV, it is not even a taste of what they have in store when they see this film.”
For Tom Cruise, Mission: Impossible isn’t just a role. It’s a mission that’s lasted a lifetime, and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.