Impossible’s End Could Tom Cruise To The MCU

As Tom Cruise’s nearly three-decade run with the Mission: Impossible saga potentially comes to an end this year, perhaps it’s the right time for him to find a new franchise – the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU is home to some of the best action stars working today, and bringing in the biggest one of them all could take it to unimaginable heights.

This isn’t the first time Tom Cruise has been linked to the superhero franchise. Back in the late ’90s, before the MCU was even a twinkle in Kevin Feige’s eye, there was a failed attempt to make an Iron Man movie with Cruise set to star and produce. The project never happened, but neither Cruise nor the studio would have any regrets, considering how different yet successful their paths turned out to be. Now, however, things seem to be falling into place for a collaboration that could bring the world to a standstill.

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Is The Next Mission: Impossible Movie The Last One?

Potential Ending For Tom Cruise & Ethan Hunt

Releasing worldwide on May 23, 2025, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is expected to conclude the iconic film series, with Tom Cruise leading as Ethan Hunt one last time. However, despite the film’s tagline and promotions hinting at his final mission, both Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie have suggested otherwise. At the Australian premiere of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One in July 2023, Cruise expressed his desire to continue working, citing Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford as inspiration. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, he said:

Harrison Ford is a legend; I hope to be still going; I’ve got 20 years to catch up with him. I hope to keep making Mission: Impossible films until I’m his age.

McQuarrie had mentioned earlier that the two-part Dead Reckoning films would not mark the end of the action series. It’s highly likely that the makers of the Mission: Impossible movies are exploring both the franchise’s future and Ethan Hunt’s character. However, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee Cruise’s continued presence, and the upcoming film may hold the answer to this. Regardless, perhaps it’s time for the 62-year-old icon to use this as a segue and jump ship from Paramount to Marvel.

Tom Cruise Could Be The Next Iron Man

The MCU’s Multiverse Could Finally Make It Happen

The idea of Tom Cruise as Iron Man isn’t new. Marvel reportedly considered him for the role back in 2005 before Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Tony Stark. In 2022, rumors suggested he would appear as an Iron Man variant in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but it never happened. Now, after years of speculation, Marvel might finally make it happen. Cruise’s potential Iron Man debut could happen in upcoming MCU biggies like Avengers: Doomsday, Secret Wars, or even Doctor Strange 3.

Right now, multiversal crossovers are at the heart of the MCU’s storytelling. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce a new Iron Man as a variant, without altering the legacy or events of RDJ’s Iron Man. With Downey Jr. himself returning as Doctor Doom, Marvel might be setting up a moment where he comes face to face with a different Iron Man. And what better star could raise the cinematic stakes than Tom Cruise? This could be an Endgame-level showdown.

Who Is Superior Iron Man In Marvel?

Perfect MCU Casting Awaits Cruise

Tom Cruise might be playing none other than Superior Iron Man. This version of Iron Man is even more arrogant than the typical Tony Stark, far more morally ambiguous, and incredibly powerful. In the comics, Superior Iron Man is a Tony Stark who gives in to his ego and power. He wears a liquid-metal suit and charges people to use his Extremis technology. His ruthless nature makes him the complete opposite of the heroic Stark MCU fans love.

It seems like the perfect role for Cruise, who is more than just an action star. The actor has always had a simmering villainous edge, as seen in films like Collateral. Considering RDJ’s Iron Man holds a god-tier status in the franchise, any new version would likely face intense scrutiny and criticism. However, someone of Tom Cruise’s stature wouldn’t just soften the blow, and he could even make Superior Iron Man unforgettable.

Will Tom Cruise Join The MCU?

Looking back at past events, Tom Cruise would certainly consider showing up for this role. For 20th Century Fox’s Iron Man project in the ’90s (which never materialized), the actor reportedly expressed interest in both starring and producing, much like he did with Mission: Impossible. However, his salary demands may have been too high for a superhero who wasn’t yet a household name. Only Superman and Batman had seen success, and even they were struggling at the time. Marvel’s bankruptcy in 1996 was also a huge factor.

Years later, when Jon Favreau was developing Iron Man, he spoke with Cruise, but the deal apparently fell through again due to his asking price. Fast-forward to 2025, the MCU is the biggest film franchise ever, grossing over $31 billion. Surely, any asking price for Tom Cruise would now be met comfortably. As much as audiences love watching the Mission: Impossible star push boundaries with death-defying stunts, age and physical strain are real concerns. So, joining the MCU – not just as a one-off Superior Iron Man, but potentially as a long-term addition – could be a smart next step in Cruise’s stellar career.

MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a sprawling movie and television franchise that weaves together individual stories of superheroes including Captain America, Thor, Spider-Man, Hulk, Black Widow, and many more. The first film in the franchise, Iron Man, was released in 2008. The MCU has garnered critical praise and financial success, earning billions at the box office and becoming a cultural phenomenon.

First Film

Iron Man

Latest Film

Marvels

Cast

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, Tom Hiddleston, Iman Vellani