Impossible.” Behind the scenes, the movies rely on a man the star calls McQ.Christopher McQuarrie directed and wrote four consecutive films in the franchise, including this weekend’s “Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning.

The Final Reckoning carries the weight of a meaningful farewell but lacks the courage to commit. The eighth film in the series begins with a sincere American president (Angela Bassett) entreating IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) to take one last mission to save the world.

Impossible franchise would never feel quite right moving forward without Tom Cruise. That aspect alone is one reason why very few believe it'll continue in any alternate fashion or with a different approach.