On May 7, 2025, Tom Cruise made a highly anticipated appearance at a press conference in Japan for the latest installment of the iconic franchise, Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning. This event was particularly special as it marked the announcement of advance screenings set to take place from May 17 to May 22, 2025, thrilling fans eager for a glimpse of the action-packed film.
The press conference kicked off with a special video montage celebrating Cruise's illustrious career, showcasing memorable scenes that brought some audience members to tears. Following this emotional start, Cruise, along with his co-stars and director Christopher McQuarrie, engaged in a Q&A session, discussing their experiences and insights on the film.
Just a day prior, on May 6, the cast attended the Japan premiere of the film at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Plaza, where they watched the movie alongside an enthusiastic audience. This was a significant moment, especially for the cast members who were seeing the film for the first time. The atmosphere was electric, culminating in a standing ovation that reflected the audience's excitement. Cruise described the experience as "wonderful, truly beautiful," emphasizing his gratitude for the audience's support and the collaborative effort that went into making the film.
During the press conference, Cruise shared insights into the rigorous production process, highlighting that he and McQuarrie had spent seven years working on films like Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Final Reckoning, and Top Gun: Maverick. He mentioned that the film's subtitles were only completed two days before the press event, underscoring the dedication involved in the project.
McQuarrie elaborated on the film's ambitious action sequences, including a breathtaking scene where Cruise clings to a plane flying at 225 kilometers per hour at an altitude of over 2400 meters. "This is the first time a movie hero has done something like this," McQuarrie said, expressing pride in the innovative technology and techniques developed to capture such thrilling moments.
Another notable stunt involves an underwater scene where Cruise wears a specially designed mask and wetsuit that can only be used for ten minutes due to the risk of hypoxia. Both Cruise and McQuarrie communicated through hand signals while submerged, showcasing the level of teamwork required for such dangerous stunts.
Joining Cruise on stage were co-stars Simon Pegg, Pom Klementieff, Hayley Atwell, and Greg Tarzan Davis, all of whom shared their experiences and excitement about the film. Pegg reflected on his journey with the franchise, recalling how he started filming M:i:III twenty years ago. "Simon is an incredibly talented actor," Cruise praised, highlighting their strong collaborative bond.
Atwell, who plays Grace, discussed her character's evolution from a lone wolf to a team player, while Klementieff hinted at revealing more of her character's vulnerability in this installment. Davis, portraying CIA agent Doga, teased an important decision his character must make, adding tension to the storyline.
As the event progressed, a reporter asked Cruise about his seemingly endless energy and motivation. He replied, "The key is to always have a goal and to create new peaks. Life is an adventure, and while I do experience fear, I push forward regardless." This sentiment resonated with many in attendance, showcasing his passion and commitment to his craft.
McQuarrie shared an anecdote about Cruise's relentless pursuit of excellence, stating, "Every time we finish a film, Tom thinks we could have done even better. It's this unyielding desire for improvement that drives our work together." Cruise echoed this sentiment, praising McQuarrie's storytelling abilities and expressing his commitment to evolving as a filmmaker.
Reflecting on the franchise's longevity, Cruise admitted he never anticipated it would continue for nearly three decades. "When we first made Mission: Impossible in 1996, I didn't think it would last this long. I wanted to test my abilities as a producer and storyteller," he explained. He emphasized the importance of character and story over star power, stating, "People say, 'If Tom is in it, it will be a hit,' but that's not true. It's the story and characters that matter most."
The title Final Reckoning carries significant weight, hinting at the culmination of the series that began 29 years ago. The narrative picks up where the previous film left off, revolving around a key that Ethan Hunt, played by Cruise, obtained during his missions.
Following the press conference, the cast participated in a red carpet event at Shinjuku, where fans and media gathered to celebrate the film's release. A special Ukiyo-e poster art was on display, adding a unique cultural touch to the occasion. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike delivered opening remarks, welcoming the cast and celebrating their connection to Japan.
As the event concluded, a spectacular projection mapping show was presented on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, culminating in fireworks that illuminated the night sky. This visual spectacle marked a fitting celebration for the film's premiere.
Mission: Impossible - Final Reckoning will be released simultaneously in Japan and the United States on May 23, 2025, following advance screenings. With its thrilling action, emotional depth, and a commitment to storytelling, the film promises to be a fitting addition to the beloved franchise.
