One Battle After Another crossed the $100M threshold at the box office, becoming the first Paul Thomas Anderson movie to achieve this feat. This comes as no surprise, as the American epic marked his first mainstream release.
However, prior to helming his most ambitious project yet, the auteur was adamant about leading another major studio movie, Mission: Impossible, and was left disappointed that the opportunity never arrived (via The Playlist).
I would have loved to, but I never received his phone call. I was very disappointed. I think he’s done with ‘Mission: Impossible,’ so it’s not going to happen.
Had PTA’s MI movie been realized, it’d have resulted in the long-awaited reunion between Tom Cruise and the director after Magnolia. But like he said, it might be too late now.
Will the Mission: Impossible Franchise Continue Without Tom Cruise
While The Final Reckoning
Cruise was the major reason behind the IP’s international numbers, given the actor’s stature as a global icon. Following the inflated budgets and diminishing returns, without its movie star factor, experts doubt the franchise’s sustainability in the future.
It’s truly a shame that a PTA-led MI movie is potentially out of the realm of possibilities, as the franchise would’ve been right up his alley in comparison to most studio IPs.
Paul Thomas Anderson Would’ve Been a Great Fit for Mission: Impossible
Although the terms PTA and a big-budget studio IP don’t go hand in hand, Mission: Impossible is an exception. In contrast to something like the MCU, where filmmakers often need to adhere to the studio’s overarching plans, the MI series, since its inception, has allowed filmmakers full creative control.
From Brian De Palma directing the first entry to John Woo bringing his own distinct style to the sequel, the franchise has always been driven by filmmakers rather than being dominated by studio execs.
This further explains why PTA was drawn toward the Cruise-led series, as, unlike most other Hollywood franchises, Mission: Impossible would’ve allowed the filmmaker to make a PTA movie instead of just another MI movie.
Truly a missed opportunity. Hopefully, Cruise, who previously signed a deal with WB, and PTA, who delivered one of the most prestigious releases of the year for WB, will cross paths once again.
What are your thoughts on the prospect of a PTA-led MI movie?
One Battle After Another is currently running in theatres.
