The world of cinema is abuzz with anticipation as the 2024 Cannes Film Festival approaches, and speculation is rife about which blockbuster films and star-studded projects will make their grand debuts on the prestigious Croisette. Among the most talked-about possibilities is the potential premiere of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, the eighth and supposedly final installment in the iconic Mission: Impossible franchise. Starring the indefatigable Tom Cruise as the legendary Ethan Hunt, this film could bring a dose of high-octane action and Hollywood glamour to the festival. While no official decision has been made, the timing seems auspicious: Paramount Pictures is set to release the movie in theaters on May 21, which coincides with the second week of Cannes. If The Final Reckoning does indeed premiere at the festival, it would mark a fitting swan song for Cruise’s portrayal of Hunt, a character he has embodied for over two and a half decades. The film’s inclusion would also continue Paramount’s long-standing relationship with Cannes, as well as Cruise’s own history of triumph at the festival.
Cruise’s last visit to Cannes was in 2022 for Top Gun: Maverick, a sequel that not only soared at the box office, grossing a staggering $1.45 billion worldwide, but also earned critical acclaim, including six Academy Award nominations and a win for Best Sound. The film’s reception at Cannes was nothing short of electric, with Cruise receiving a hero’s welcome. Given this precedent, the prospect of The Final Reckoning gracing the festival’s screens is a tantalizing one. It would not only draw massive attention to the event but also provide a platform for Cruise to bid farewell to a character who has become synonymous with his career. The film’s success would also underscore the enduring appeal of the Mission: Impossible franchise, which has consistently delivered heart-pounding action sequences and globe-trotting adventures.
Of course, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is not the only high-profile film rumored to be heading to Cannes. Several other American filmmakers and their projects are generating significant buzz. Spike Lee, for instance, is expected to unveil Highest 2 Lowest, a highly anticipated film starring Denzel Washington. Produced by A24 and AppleTV+, this project promises to bring Lee’s signature blend of gritty realism and thought-provoking storytelling to the festival. Another big name making waves is Wes Anderson, whose latest effort, The Phoenician Scheme, boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Featuring the likes of Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Scarlett Johansson, and Benedict Cumberbatch, this film is likely to be a visually stunning and quirky addition to the festival lineup. Anderson’s unique aesthetic and ability to weave intricate narratives have always made him a favorite among cinephiles, and The Phoenician Scheme is no exception.
Richard Linklater and Jim Jarmusch are also among the filmmakers tipped to bring their latest works to Cannes. Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague delves into the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s cult classic Breathless, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a film that revolutionized world cinema. Given Linklater’s penchant for exploring the creative process and his deep appreciation for cinematic history, this project feels like a natural fit for Cannes. Meanwhile, Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother promises to be another unforgettable entry in his eclectic filmography. Starring Adam Driver, Cate Blanchett, and Tom Waits, among others, this film is expected to blend the director’s signature deadpan humor with deeper existential themes, making it a must-watch for fans of independent cinema. The inclusion of these films underscores the diversity of artistic voices and storytelling styles that Cannes has always championed.
Not every major Hollywood production is guaranteed to make an appearance at Cannes, however. Sources indicate that Apple’s Brad Pitt-starring F1 movie is unlikely to world premiere at the festival. This decision highlights the strategic choices studios make when it comes to platforming their films. While some movies benefit immensely from the prestige and global attention that Cannes provides, others may opt for different release strategies to maximize their impact. The festival’s curator, Thierry Fremaux, is known for his discerning eye and commitment to showcasing both critically acclaimed arthouse films and select mainstream offerings. Recent editions of the festival have seen a mix of award-winning films, including Palme d’Or winner Anora by Sean Baker and Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez, both of which went on to become major players in the awards season.
Still, the relationship between Cannes and big-budget blockbusters can be complicated. While Top Gun: Maverick undeniably benefited from its Cannes premiere, not all commercial films fare as well. For example, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny received a lukewarm reception when it debuted at the festival in 2023, which some argue may have impacted its box office performance. This duality underscores the unique role that Cannes plays in the film ecosystem. It is a place where artistic merit and commercial appeal intersect, where filmmakers can showcase their work to both critics and audiences, and where trends are set for the year ahead. As the 2024 festival approaches, cinephiles around the world will be eagerly watching to see which films will make their mark on the Croisette, and how they will shape the future of cinema.
Ultimately, the Cannes Film Festival remains a cultural touchstone, a celebration of storytelling in all its forms. Whether it’s a high-stakes action spectacle like Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning or a deeply personal indie drama like Highest 2 Lowest, the festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share their visions with the world. As the rumors continue to swirl about which films will be included in this year’s lineup, one thing is certain: the 2024 Cannes Film Festival promises to be a unforgettable event, one that will leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
