Jeremy Renner has expressed his willingness to return to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, despite the significant challenges he has faced in recent years. Renner, who portrayed agent William Brandt in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” (2011) and “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” (2015), has been absent from the series for nearly a decade. His departure was primarily due to personal reasons, particularly the birth of his daughter in 2013 and the subsequent need to prioritize his role as a father.
In a recent interview with Collider, Renner reflected on his time with the “Mission: Impossible” team and his decision to step away. “I was supposed to do more with them,” Renner shared. “I love those guys. I love Tom [Cruise] so much. We had so much fun, and I love that character a lot. It requires a lot of time away. It’s all in London. I had to go be a dad. It just wasn’t gonna work out then.”
However, Renner’s perspective has shifted over the years. With his daughter now older, he feels more open to the possibility of returning to the high-octane franchise. “Maybe now that my daughter is older that could happen,” Renner said. “I’d always jump into a ‘Mission: Impossible’ anytime and back into Brandt. It’s great.”
Renner’s character, William Brandt, retired from the Impossible Mission Force at the end of “Rogue Nation,” but his exit was not final, leaving the door open for a potential return. The eighth installment of the “Mission: Impossible” series is slated for release in 2025, and while it was initially thought to be the franchise’s conclusion, director Christopher McQuarrie has hinted at the possibility of future films.
Renner’s readiness to rejoin the “Mission: Impossible” team comes after a remarkable recovery from a severe snow plow accident in January 2023. The incident left him with blunt chest trauma and over 30 broken bones. Despite the severity of his injuries, Renner has made a triumphant return to acting, currently starring in Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ series “Mayor of Kingstown,” with its third season premiering on June 2.
Renner’s resilience and determination have been evident throughout his recovery. He has expressed gratitude for the support he received from his Marvel co-stars and fans. “I’m always game. I’m gonna be strong enough, that’s for sure. I’ll be ready,” Renner told Entertainment Tonight about reprising his role as Clint Barton/Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “All those guys come to my bedside and they’ve been with me all along through this recovery, so… if they want me, they could have me. It would be something.”
Renner’s journey back to health has been a testament to his strength and perseverance. He spent over two weeks in the hospital following the accident and has since focused on his health and wellness. “I think another six months will be hopefully running [more]… I got to set goals for myself. I’ll do whatever I can… whatever it takes to get better, to get stronger,” Renner said. “It’s a one-way street, this recovery. The rest of my life is about health and wellness.”
The actor’s determination to return to his previous roles, including a potential comeback in “Mission: Impossible,” has been met with enthusiasm from fans and colleagues alike. Renner’s portrayal of William Brandt brought a unique dynamic to the franchise, and his return would undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the series.
As Renner continues to recover and regain his strength, the possibility of seeing him back in action alongside Tom Cruise and the rest of the “Mission: Impossible” team becomes increasingly likely. His dedication to his craft and his ability to overcome significant obstacles make him a true inspiration, both on and off the screen.
For now, fans can look forward to Renner’s ongoing projects and hope for his return to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise in the near future. With his daughter now older and his health on the mend, Renner’s readiness to take on new challenges and revisit old roles is a testament to his enduring passion for acting and storytelling.
