Success of 'MI4-Ghost Protocol' Jumpstarts Sequel, More Cruise?

Cruise & co. back for more...

With Mission: Impossible-Ghost Protocol having an excellent IMAX and theatrical debut (top box-office Christmas weekend) it's not shocking the studio wants Tom Cruise, Brad Bird and the IMF team back for one more mission.  Apparently, Cruise has reintroduced himself to moviegoers as a capable leading man, which may spawn another headlining role for him in Top Gun 2. Bascially, MI4 showed studios Cruise still has the star power to carry a film.

MI4 brought in around $151 million in its first two weeks in theaters, though IMAX was a limited release.  Ghost Protocol was reportedly supposed to be a passing of the torch type of film, with Cruise giving way to Jeremy Renner for future films.  Not so fast, Cruise isn't out of the picture just yet.

So Cruise and MI back for more isn't breaking news, but it is surprising he's up for a major role in the Top Gun sequel, which last I heard was going to be all about unmanned fighter jets.  Boring.  Here's hoping MI4 success leads to Cruise being back in the cockpit where he belongs.

He's on top of the mountain for now, and I'm glad to see it.  Now with Horizons, Rock of Ages and We Mortals Are on deck for the next two years, we'll be seeing much more of him before MI and Top Gun 2.