Ethan Hunt to return, confirms Paramount

It was the first public comment by Paramount execs -- who tend to take a measured approach in discussing future films.

Paramount Pictures vice chairman Rob Moore is ready for more Ethan Hunt, strongly endorsing Tom Cruise's recent announcement that Mission: Impossible 6 is in the works. "We're very happy to be developing this movie with Tom," Moore said. "There's no question that Ethan Hunt deserves another film." The veteran executive was basking in the glow of a $121 million global opening for Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation - $56 million in the U.S. and another $65 million from 40% of international markets. "The international brand is as strong as ever," he added.
It was the first public comment by Paramount execs - who tend to take a measured approach in discussing future films. Even as Rogue Nation opened in the US and other markets on Friday, the studio was insisting that its tracking showed a $40 million U.S. opening, even though the final figure turned out to be 40% higher. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Rentrak, said he's not surprised that another Mission: Impossible is in the works. "I think it's very smart," he added. "Given the performance of Rogue Nation, there has to be another movie."
Cruise revealed plans last week to return in the Ethan Hunt role for a sixth Mission: Impossible, asserting that shooting could start as early as a year from now. "We're starting to work on it now. We'll probably start shooting it next summer," he told host Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. The previous four Mission: Impossible films have grossed a combined $2 billion at the worldwide box office. Rogue Nation, which carries a $150 million pricetag, is produced by Cruise along with J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger. Christopher McQuarrie directed from a screenplay he wrote with Drew Pearce. Each Mission: Impossible has employed a different director. The previous films were directed by Brian De Palma, John Woo, Abrams and Brad Bird. Cruise, 53, is currently shooting drug thriller Mena with Doug Liman directing. He also said during the show that he's discussed an Edge of Tomorrow sequel with McQuarrie and Liman, who wrote and directed the sci-fier, respectively.