Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning has set a new record with its “excellent” debut at the US box office.
The eighth (and possibly final) instalment of the action series hit US cinemas this Friday, collecting $63 million during its opening weekend.
According to Variety, that figure is estimated to reach $77 million during the Memorial Day long weekend.
The impressive debut has earned The Final Reckoning the biggest opening in the 29-year-old franchise, surpassing 2018’s Mission: Impossible – Fallout, which debuted with $61 million.
Meanwhile, the movie also raked in $127 million internationally, adding up to a $190 million worldwide start.
Paramount
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While The Final Reckoning has broken records within the franchise, it is also one of the most expensive movies of all time, costing an eye-watering $400 million to produce.
The staggering costs were in part due to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, industry strikes and inflation.
“With this opening, and with excellent business overseas, The Final Reckoning is going to make a lot of money,” said David A Gross of movie consulting firm Franchise Entertainment Research. “But the costs are enormous, and it’ll be lucky to break-even. The delays were uncontrollable and unfortunate.”
Paramount Pictures and Skydance
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The action thriller sees Tom Cruise once again reprising his iconic role, as IMF agent Ethan Hunt races to find a rogue AI known as the Entity.
In our 3-star review, Digital Spy notes: “What saves The Final Reckoning from being dragged down by its unwieldy plot is that it never takes itself too seriously. The consequences if Ethan and his IMF team fail are dire, but that doesn’t mean the movie can’t have fun along the way.
“Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning might not be the perfect send-off for Ethan Hunt, but if this is to be the end, he won’t have any regrets about leaving audiences short-changed.”
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is in cinemas now.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a “telly addict” since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.