The Mind-Blowing Truth Behind Mission: Impossible 7's Epic Cliffhanger-Free Finale
Director reveals the rationale behind Mission: Impossible 7's cliffhanger-free ending, highlighting Cruise's decision and its significance for the film's narrative structure
Tom Cruise was adamant about not leaving audiences with a cliffhanger ending in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. Director Christopher McQuarrie shared that Cruise repeatedly vetoed the idea of ending the story in such a suspenseful manner.
The ending of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One was always intended to be where we would end the movie. However, how we chose to conclude the film was a major mystery and source of anxiety for Tom. He was constantly concerned about making sure it wasn't a cliffhanger and that it would provide a sense of completion for the audience. We spent a lot of time refining and revisiting that scene to ensure it was satisfying. In the end, while there are elements of a cliffhanger with Ethan facing another impossible mission, the conclusion does offer a satisfying resolution. Ethan has successfully obtained the key and now the IMF just needs to figure out their next steps. This outcome has alleviated Cruise's biggest fears.
Mission: Impossible 7 Didn't Need A Cliffhanger
Including a cliffhanger ending for Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One would have been unnecessary, given its title alone and the knowledge of an upcoming sequel. Trying to create suspense with a fake-out death or sudden plot twist would have been a cheap and insulting move, considering the numerous death-defying stunts Ethan has already gone through. Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie were confident that the audience would not doubt Ethan's return in the next movie, as the success of Mission: Impossible 7 at the box office was already evident.
Cruise, being the star of the Mission: Impossible franchise, wielded significant influence over the ending of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. He wisely chose to showcase his genuine regard for the audience by avoiding a predictable conclusion. Together with McQuarrie, they opted to keep the story open-ended, allowing for future exploration. This decision proved to be perfect, contributing to the film's status as an epic blockbuster.
