Ever since "Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation" proved to be a smash, the unofficial talk was Paramount was so enthused by the returns, they wanted to get a sequel up and running next year. Well, it’s looking more official as contracts are starting to get locked down.
READ MORE: Review: ‘Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation’ Is Proof That Some Franchises Won’t Quit
Variety reports that the wheels are in motion to ink Christopher McQuarrie to return to write and possibly direct "Mission: Impossible 6." It would mark the first time the series has gone with same director for more than one film, but McQuarrie is no ordinary filmmaker. The writer is Tom Cruise‘s longtime collaborator, tailoring "Valkyrie," "Jack Reacher," and "Edge Of Tomorrow" specifically for the actor. So it’s not a big surprise to see them working again.
Speaking recently with EW, McQuarrie stated he had already been thinking of ideas for a followup. "That was the challenge that was put to me immediately after we did it. As soon as we [completed the airplane stunt in ‘Rogue Nation,’ somebody said, ‘What are you gonna do now?’ I’ve been thinking about it ever since, and I’ve got a secret little list that may or may not happen," he teased. "We have an idea, and it doesn’t require low Earth orbit. [Laughs] Let’s put it this way: There are bigger stunts without more altitude."
Right now, the plan is shoot the movie next August, and as for the film’s breakout star Rebecca Ferguson, the studio does have an option on the actress to return. She’s highly in demand at the moment, landing a role in "The Girl On The Train," and rumored for Ridley Scott‘s "Alien: Covenant." Paramount likely don’t want that kind of talent slipping away.
As for "Edge Of Tomorrow 2," it seems there’s an idea percolating, but it’s not close to happening. "Oh, we talk about it all the time, and it’s a matter of making it official," he told EW. "I mean, Tom and I, we’re just sort of making one big movie together. Whenever we’re making one movie, we’re talking about what the next movie will be. So while we were talking about ‘Edge 2’ and ‘Reacher 3,’ he was ready to go off and do ‘Reacher 2.’ So while we’re talking, something materializes and then we kind of just let things come as they will."
Right now, it looks like ‘Mission 6’ will bring them together next.