1. Passing The Torch
This was something teased before Ghost Protocol came out, and is sort of suggested/implied throughout the film by the presence and capability of Jeremy Renners Brandt, and his tension with Ethan, even if the latter turned out to be for very personal reasons. Tom Cruise, and therefore Ethan Hunt, is getting old. The series can continue with a young buck taking over. Perhaps the best thing about going down this route is that there is an opportunity for history to repeat itself. The first film back in 1996 was basically all about the changing of the guard. Jim Phelps himself was revealed to be the big bad of the piece, and the whole legacy of Mission: Impossible was handed down to a newcomer. Ethan Hunt is of the same stature as Jim Phelps, and by now his legacy both as a character and as the figurehead of the series is just as sizable. Nobody would expect Ethan Hunt to turn rogue because its been done before, so what a way to surprise everyone! And this isnt to say Ethan has to be killed off just because he is the bad guy. M:I 6 could be about his redemption or everything coming to head- this franchise is a Tom Cruise franchise, so he is still the lead character but more conflicted because he has turned to the dark side for whatever reason. Something to think about
So these are my suggestions for what could happen next, but chances are itll be none of these- but I will predict that Ethan Hunt has shot hair this time around. Has anyone noticed that? Tom Cruise has short hair in the first film, long hair in the second film, then short again, then long. It makes sense that itll be short again. If Im right, you have to buy me a ticket to the film. Regardless of what happens, I am beyond excited for what Tom Cruise, Drew Pearce and whoever-will-direct come up with. Whos with me? This article will self-destruct in ten seconds.