Tom Cruise and the cast of the highly anticipated film, Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning, graced the Japan premiere held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Square on May 6, 2025. This marks Cruise's 25th visit to Japan, and his excitement was palpable as he interacted with fans, signing autographs and taking photos for nearly three hours.
The film, which is set to be released in Japan on May 23, 2025, follows the iconic character Ethan Hunt, played by Cruise, and is touted as the culmination of the Mission: Impossible series that has captivated audiences since its inception in 1996. The premiere event was filled with energy as Cruise expressed his love for Japan and gratitude for the warm reception he received from fans, stating, "I love Japan. I love the beautiful culture of Japan. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I made this movie for you all, and I hope you will love it."
Joining Cruise at the premiere were co-stars Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Greg Tarzan Davis, and director Christopher McQuarrie. Each cast member shared their excitement about the film and their experiences working together. Pegg, who plays Benji, noted the significance of this installment, saying, "In this movie, Benji leads the team for the first time, which is a big change for my character. It was challenging but also a lot of fun!"
Atwell, who portrays Grace, reflected on her preparation for the role, sharing insights about the character's emotional journey. "Grace is someone who fears losing those she cares about, and this film explores that vulnerability. Working with Tom for the past five years has been an incredible experience, and I trained for about six months to prepare for the physicality of the role," she said.
The production of Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning took seven years, with challenges such as the pandemic and Hollywood strikes impacting the timeline. Despite these obstacles, Cruise emphasized the dedication and passion of the entire team, stating, "We all came together to make this film happen, and I believe we have achieved something truly special."
McQuarrie, who has collaborated with Cruise on multiple projects, highlighted the emotional depth of the film. He explained, "We decided early on to split this story into two parts because the more emotion we infused into the narrative, the larger and more expansive the film became. It's important that each film stands alone, allowing new viewers to enjoy it without having seen previous installments."
The film's stunts have already garnered attention, particularly a daring wing-walking scene that Cruise executed himself. He described the experience, saying, "The wind pressure was incredible, and it was physically demanding. I trained extensively for it, and it was one of the most thrilling experiences of my career."
As the event progressed, the atmosphere was electric, culminating in a stunning projection mapping display on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, accompanied by fireworks. Cruise's enthusiastic call to action, "Light the fuse!" resonated with fans, marking a memorable moment in the premiere.
In addition to the film's cast, the event also honored Natsuko Toda, a legendary subtitle translator who has worked with Cruise for over 30 years. Toda's contributions to the localization of Hollywood films have been significant, and she will be awarded the Order of the Rising Sun in 2025. Cruise expressed his appreciation for her work, stating, "Natsuko-san has been an integral part of sharing my films with Japanese audiences, and I am grateful for her dedication."
As the release date approaches, excitement continues to build around Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning. With its blend of action, emotional storytelling, and a stellar cast, the film promises to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience for audiences worldwide. The advance screenings will take place from May 17 to May 22, 2025, allowing eager fans to get a sneak peek before the official release.
In a series that has consistently pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking, this latest installment is expected to be a fitting tribute to the legacy of Mission: Impossible. As fans speculate about the future of Ethan Hunt and the franchise, one thing is clear: Cruise and his team are committed to delivering an unforgettable experience.
