From Nomadland to IMF: Could Chloé Zhao Direct Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible 9?
The Hollywood rumor mill is currently operating at Mach 10.
Following the high-stakes production of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning
Part Two (widely anticipated to be titled Mission: Impossible – The
Final Reckoning), a new and unexpected name has entered the conversation
for the future of the franchise: Chloé Zhao.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that the Oscar-winning
director of Nomadland and Marvel’s Eternals is being courted to
helm a potential Mission: Impossible 9. But is there truth to these
claims, or is this just another impossible mission for the internet? Here’s
what we know as of February 2026.
The Origin of the Chloé Zhao Rumors
The speculation began following a series of high-profile
meetings between Tom Cruise and several "auteur" directors.
Cruise, who has famously collaborated with Christopher McQuarrie for over a
decade, is reportedly looking to diversify the visual language of the franchise
if it continues beyond the "Final" installment.
- The
'Hamnet' Factor: Zhao is currently wrapping up her highly anticipated
adaptation of Hamnet, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. The
industry buzz around this project suggests she has mastered the balance
between intimate character studies and grand cinematic scale—a combination
Cruise is reportedly keen to explore.
- A
New Creative Era: After the ultra-kinetic, stunt-heavy direction of
the McQuarrie era, rumors suggest Paramount wants to infuse the series
with a more "grounded, atmospheric" feel, which is Zhao's
signature style.
Would Tom Cruise Pass the Torch (or the Director's
Chair)?
Since 2011’s Ghost Protocol, the Mission:
Impossible series has been defined by the Cruise-McQuarrie partnership. However,
industry insiders suggest a few reasons why a Zhao-Cruise collaboration isn't
as "impossible" as it sounds:
- The
'Top Gun' Effect: Cruise has shown a willingness to work with newer
visionary directors (like Joseph Kosinski) to revitalize his legacy.
- Zhao’s
Technical Prowess: Despite the polarizing reception of Eternals,
critics praised Zhao’s ability to shoot massive action sequences using
natural light and practical locations—aligning perfectly with Cruise’s
"no green screen" philosophy.
- Expansion
of the IMF: If Mission 9 moves toward a global ensemble or a
prequel/spin-off format, Zhao’s touch for human connection could provide
the necessary emotional weight.
The Current Status: Fact vs. Fiction
As of now, neither Paramount Pictures nor Chloé Zhao has
officially confirmed a deal for Mission: Impossible 9.
- Official
Focus: Tom Cruise and Christopher McQuarrie remain publicly focused on
the promotion of The Final Reckoning (2025/2026).
- The
Hamnet Schedule: Zhao is currently tied to the post-production and
awards circuit for Hamnet. Any commitment to a franchise of this
magnitude would likely not begin until late 2026.
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