‘Went Beyond Expectations’: Tom Cruise Thanks Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning Director As Film Impresses At Cannes 2025

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise lit up the Cannes 2025 red carpet as a live band played the iconic "Mission: Impossible" theme song. The moment felt like a grand send-off as the actor arrived to promote Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning, which could be his final outing as Ethan Hunt.

The film marked its world premiere at the French Riviera and became one of the festival’s most talked-about events. Cruise was joined by his co-stars Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Esai Morales, and others.

Tom Cruise Gets 5-Min Standing Ovation For Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning

Before the screening, fans got a sneak peek of Cruise’s wildest stunts yet in a special IMAX preview. His high-octane action sequences set the tone for the evening and reminded everyone why he’s still considered the boldest star in the game.

The film, initially titled Dead Reckoning – Part Two, got a name change to reflect its significance in the franchise. Director Christopher McQuarrie returns to wrap up Ethan Hunt’s final mission. The movie packs in everything from intense submarine combat and a mind-bending twist to a brutal three-minute knife fight. It aims to deliver spectacle and emotion in equal measure.

After the screening, the audience stood up and applauded for five 5 straight. Cruise went emotional and walked through the crowd as they cheered. He joined McQuarrie on stage along with the cast, including Angela Bassett, Hannah Waddingham, and Greg Tarzan Davis.

Standing ovation at @festivaldecannes for #MissionImpossible - The Final Reckoning! #Cannes2025 pic.twitter.com/bzBHLlSYQm

— Mission: Impossible (@MissionFilm) May 15, 2025

At the event, Cruise said he was "very grateful" to be part of the franchise and thanked McQuarrie for his work. He said, "Every step of the way, what you've done, how you've expanded it, how you just went beyond our expectations.”

Videos on social media captured the standing ovation and Cruise clutching his heart as the room erupted. He also shared warm moments with guests Zoe Saldaña and Marco Perego-Saldaña, and was seen embracing the cast.

Mixed Reviews And Box Office Expectations For The Final Reckoning

While audiences seemed thrilled, critics were more divided. Many praised the relentless action and scale of the production. Others felt the film leaned too hard on nostalgia and suffered from pacing issues.

Backed by Paramount Pictures and Skydance, Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning carries a massive $400 million budget. It releases in India on May 17 and in the U.S. on May 23. With Cruise’s name associated and IMAX screenings worldwide, The Final Reckoning is expected to dominate the box office once again.

Are you planning to watch it in theatres upon release? Tell us in the comments!