While Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning has been marketed as the concluding chapter of the franchise, rumors indicate that Ethan Hunt may be preparing for another adventure. The name linked to this next installment is Chloé Zhao, an acclaimed filmmaker known for her distinctive storytelling, suggesting an intriguing shift in the franchise’s direction. If true, the collaboration between Tom Cruise and Zhao for Mission: Impossible 9 could signal fresh creative energy entering the series.
Details Behind the Rumor and Zhao’s Reputation
The rumor originates from DeuxMoi, a celebrity gossip source, which shared an unverified email claiming that
“Chloe Zhao is in talks to write/direct [Mission: Impossible 9]. Tom sought her out, they’ve workshopped a treatment, script is underway.”
This intriguing claim, while unconfirmed, highlights Cruise’s potential desire to entrust the next Mission: Impossible chapter to a director with a unique cinematic voice.
Zhao’s accolades include an Oscar win for Nomadland and her direction of Marvel Studios’ Eternals—a Phase 4 MCU film featuring immortal heroes battling foes from the shadows. Although Eternals divided viewers, it demonstrated Zhao’s ability to blend large-scale action with an artistic sensibility. Beyond blockbusters, she also recently directed Hamnet, a critically praised film, and the pilot for the upcoming Hulu Buffy the Vampire Slayer sequel, showcasing her versatility across genres.
Implications for the Franchise’s Creative Leadership
Since its inception, the Mission: Impossible series has rotated through several directors, including notable names like Brian De Palma, John Woo, J. J. Abrams, and Brad Bird, each bringing their unique style. Christopher McQuarrie broke this pattern by helming three consecutive entries starting with Rogue Nation (2015) through Dead Reckoning and Final Reckoning. McQuarrie’s consistent involvement shaped much of the franchise’s recent direction, making his potential replacement a significant change.
Bringing Zhao on board would be the first time since 2015 that the series passes to a new director. This move could reclaim the earlier dynamic of handing creative control between directors, infusing the franchise with renewed energy and innovation.
What Zhao Could Mean for Ethan Hunt’s Future Missions
Zhao’s storytelling style is known for its grounded, human focus, which could contrast vividly with Tom Cruise’s signature high-stakes stunt-driven sequences. This combination might offer a fresh take on the IMF’s missions by merging emotional depth with adrenaline-pumping action. Such a direction could help evolve the series beyond its established formula, making Mission: Impossible 9 feel distinctly different from previous films.
For now, no official confirmation has been made regarding Mission: Impossible 9 or Zhao’s involvement. However, if Cruise is actively developing ideas with Zhao, audiences might soon see Ethan Hunt tackling his next “impossible” challenge in a surprising new way.
