On May 8, 2025, at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Songpa-gu, Seoul, a press conference was held for the highly anticipated movie 'Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning'. The event was graced by the presence of Tom Cruise, who reprises his iconic role as Ethan Hunt in the series, alongside director Christopher McQuarrie and fellow cast members Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Greg Tarzan Davis.
Tom Cruise, making his 12th visit to South Korea and his sixth for the 'Mission Impossible' series, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, stating, "South Korea is a beautiful country. Thank you for the warm welcome." He described the upcoming film as the culmination of a 30-year franchise, which has captivated audiences worldwide.
Scheduled for release on May 17, 2025, 'Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning' marks the eighth installment in the series and promises to deliver high-octane action and thrilling stunts. Cruise, known for performing his own stunts, shared insights about the extreme challenges he faced while filming. He mentioned a particularly daunting scene where he dangled from a light aircraft at an altitude of 2438 meters, battling winds of 225 km/h. "It was really scary," he admitted. "But I don’t mind being called reckless. I enjoy the pressure that comes with these challenges. Pressure is a privilege."
In addition to aerial stunts, Cruise undertook intense underwater filming, donning a heavy diving suit that weighed up to 125 pounds (approximately 57 kg) due to moisture. He described the experience as physically taxing, requiring him to manage his breathing carefully while filming underwater scenes. "It was difficult not just because of the suit's weight, but also because the air inside the mask made it hard to breathe. We had to film and recover repeatedly on set," he explained.
Director Christopher McQuarrie, who has collaborated with Cruise since 'Jack Reacher', emphasized the importance of simplicity in storytelling for this film. Both he and Cruise noted that as the series has grown, the narrative has become more streamlined to resonate with a global audience. McQuarrie remarked, "The strength of this film is its simplicity. It’s essential for capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide."
During the press conference, Cruise reflected on his long career in the film industry, which spans over 40 years and includes more than 40 films. He shared that he first realized he wanted to be an actor at the age of 18 and expressed his desire to continue making movies for the rest of his life. "Every day is a privilege," he said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to entertain so many people."
The cast also shared their experiences filming in extreme conditions. They recounted shooting in Svalbard, Norway, where temperatures plummeted to -40 degrees Celsius. The actors joked about the challenges of staying warm, with Cruise and his co-stars playfully lamenting the cold. "We were all saying, 'Where’s my nose?' as we wrapped up filming in such frigid conditions," said one of the cast members.
As the press conference concluded, Cruise was asked whether this film could mark the end of the 'Mission Impossible' series. He diplomatically sidestepped the question, stating, "I don’t want to think about that. This is the pinnacle of what we’ve created over the last 30 years." He added that he still feels he is in the 'warming-up' stage of his career, with many more personal goals and projects ahead.
In a world where cinematic experiences continue to evolve, 'Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning' stands out as a testament to the dedication and passion of its creators. With its thrilling stunts and heartfelt storytelling, the film is poised to be a fitting conclusion to a beloved franchise.
As fans eagerly await its release, the excitement surrounding Tom Cruise's return to the big screen is palpable. The film not only promises to deliver breathtaking action but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the 'Mission Impossible' series.
