Tom Cruise is once again raising the bar with his stunts, this time teasing some incredible underwater scenes for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. As we gear up for the 2025 release, it seems Cruise is set on delivering an era-ending spectacle for Ethan Hunt. And honestly, the more we see, the more excited we become.

Cruise recently shared a cryptic photo from an underwater shoot, a tease that didn’t even name the latest Mission: Impossible installment. But for those in the know, it’s clear this comes straight from The Final Reckoning's production. In the image, we see Cruise, seemingly calm underwater, hinting at what’s likely to be another edge-of-your-seat sequence. After all, this is Ethan Hunt, and the stakes have never been higher.

From the film’s first teaser, we’ve seen glimpses of Cruise’s character floating in a frozen sea, wearing nothing but black shorts. This latest underwater scene seems to add another layer, suggesting that Hunt could be breaking into—or perhaps escaping from—The Sevastopol, a Russian submarine currently serving as the lair of the AI threat known as “The Entity.” And based on the teaser footage, it even appears that Hunt might receive a life-saving breath—possibly from none other than the spirit of Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson).

While fans are free to speculate, it’s safe to say that Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is shaping up to be one of the most intense chapters yet. Cruise’s commitment to pushing himself—and the boundaries of cinema—is clear in every scene we’ve seen so far.

On a different note, this new underwater stunt seems to be Cruise’s answer to a friendly challenge posed by Kate Winslet. You may remember Cruise’s famous six-minute underwater sequence in Rogue Nation, which was recently surpassed by Winslet’s dive time for Avatar 2 at over seven minutes. Though there’s no rivalry here—just a mutual respect between performers—Winslet’s playful comments on Cruise’s legendary dedication have surely kept things interesting.

Cruise’s dedication to his craft is not just about the physicality of these stunts but also about his ongoing effort to push the limits of what audiences expect from a blockbuster film. His mission has always been to provide viewers with a genuine experience that feels as thrilling as it looks, and this latest venture underwater seems to be no exception. Whether it’s scaling the tallest buildings, hanging onto the side of an airplane during takeoff, or diving into icy waters, Cruise’s determination to deliver breathtaking action has set him apart in the world of cinema.

The photo Cruise shared may only be a small glimpse, but it speaks volumes about what’s to come. The underwater scenes could very well be part of a pivotal moment in the film, where Ethan Hunt has to confront not only the physical dangers of an aquatic escape but also the emotional stakes tied to his past. The reference to Ilsa Faust adds an emotional layer that fans of the franchise will surely appreciate, suggesting that this installment will not only be action-packed but also deeply personal for Hunt. The blend of suspense, nostalgia, and high-octane action is exactly what makes Mission: Impossible movies so compelling, and Cruise knows just how to keep us on the edge of our seats.

It’s also worth noting that Tom Cruise seems to be challenging not just himself but the limits of filmmaking technology. Underwater scenes are notoriously difficult to shoot, with issues ranging from visibility to actor safety. Yet, Cruise’s willingness to immerse himself—literally and figuratively—in these challenges shows his dedication to creating something extraordinary. The logistics of shooting an intense underwater sequence that involves both precise choreography and the unpredictable elements of water make this a formidable task. But if anyone can pull it off, it’s Tom Cruise.

Ultimately, it seems that the only person Tom Cruise competes with is himself. His relentless drive to support the movie industry and elevate the cinematic experience keeps pushing each Mission: Impossible film further than the last. And while we don’t yet know what the signature stunt will be in Mission: Impossible 8, this recent underwater glimpse might be our first clue—and we’re definitely ready to hold our breath in suspense.

The anticipation surrounding Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is at an all-time high, and it’s clear that Cruise is aiming to deliver a finale that will leave a lasting impression. This isn’t just another mission—it’s the culmination of years of daring feats, emotional arcs, and iconic moments that have defined Ethan Hunt’s journey. As Cruise himself has said, he’s always looking for ways to push the envelope, and it seems that this time, he might just outdo everything we’ve seen before.

Get ready for the grand finale: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning will hit theaters on May 23, 2025. And if you need to catch up on Ethan Hunt’s epic journey, all previous Mission: Impossible films are available on Paramount+. Time to rewatch and remind ourselves why the Rabbit’s Foot still matters.