How did Tom Cruise save his role in Mission: Impossible?

Tom Cruise directly confronted Paramount's chairman, Brad Grey, to ensure he remained the lead in the franchise.

Was Jeremy Renner considered for the Mission: Impossible lead?

Yes, Paramount was reportedly considering Jeremy Renner as a replacement for Tom Cruise in the franchise.

Who rewrote the Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol script?

Christopher McQuarrie was brought in to rewrite the script for Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.

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Cruise's Showdown: Ethan Hunt's M:I Future Saved

20 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Tom Cruise confronted Paramount chairman to secure his M:I role.
Paramount considered Jeremy Renner as a potential replacement.
Christopher McQuarrie rewrote Ghost Protocol script to keep Cruise.

Cruise's Showdown: Ethan Hunt's M:I Future Saved

Simon Pegg disclosed extraordinary details about Tom Cruise's fight to maintain his lead role as Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible series. During the production of 2011's Ghost Protocol, Paramount executives were reportedly exploring Jeremy Renner as a potential successor.

To counter this, Cruise personally flew from Vancouver to Los Angeles to confront Paramount's then-chairman, Brad Grey, at a party. Cruise asserted his position, leading to director Christopher McQuarrie being brought in to rewrite the script, ensuring Hunt remained the franchise's active protagonist.