(Image: Empire)
With the sequel to "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning" set to hit theaters worldwide next May, the promotional campaign is kicking into high gear as British film magazine Empire unveils its exclusive new cover and interview for the upcoming installment.
The franchise is legendary for Tom Cruise performing his own death-defying stunts, and director Christopher McQuarrie, returning for his fourth entry in the series, told Empire that the star continues to push the envelope. "There was always a day in Africa—or even every day in Africa—where Tom was going to do something that just went beyond his limits," McQuarrie said, adding enthusiastically, "The stunts in this one will absolutely melt your brain!" However, even Cruise has his limits. He admitted that after filming one particular aerial stunt, he was sometimes too faint to even get back into the cockpit.
(Image: Empire)
Ever since before the release of "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning," rumors have swirled that the eighth film would be the final chapter for Ethan Hunt. Despite Cruise himself stating he’d love to continue playing the character into his 80s, the film's reported title and the "grand finale" atmosphere of its marketing have strongly suggested a conclusion is imminent.
When asked about the finale speculation, Cruise remained coy. "You’ve really got to see the movie to understand," he said with a laugh. "It’s very difficult for me to talk about, because it’s something you really have to see to experience. It’s an epic and very emotional journey for the entire series. It’s a Homeric-level epic." McQuarrie elaborated, "I hope it’s a satisfying conclusion for all the storylines over the last 30 years. I’m pretty sure people will feel the title is very appropriate in the end."