Entertainment

Jeremy Renner Opens Up About Leaving the Mission: Impossible Franchise: ‘I Had to be a Dad!’

2025-05-11

Author: Jacques

In a heartfelt revelation, Jeremy Renner has shared the personal reasons behind his departure from the iconic Mission: Impossible film series. While promoting his memoir, *My Next Breath*, on *Happy Sad Confused*, Renner discussed prioritizing family over Hollywood.

Renner, famously known for his role as Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, made it clear that his daughter comes first. "I had to really be a dad. They're still shooting seven and eight right now... I can't just go off to London when my daughter needs me," he stated. His commitment to fatherhood played a significant role in his decision to step back after *Rogue Nation*, despite having been introduced to fans as the character William Brandt in *Ghost Protocol*.

The actor, who has a strong affection for Tom Cruise and the thrill of making those action-packed movies, admitted he had to make a tough choice. "I love Tom, I love doing those movies. So fun. But I couldn't. I just had to be a dad," he expressed.

Interestingly, despite a seemingly promising setup as a franchise lead, Renner's character was often overshadowed by Cruise's iconic portrayal of Ethan Hunt. He even turned down a cameo in 2018’s *Mission: Impossible – Fallout*, which would have resulted in his character's demise. Renner remains at peace with his decision, affirming, "I love the choice I made. Being a dad is the best role I've ever had."

Meanwhile, the *Mission: Impossible* series continues to evolve under the direction of Christopher McQuarrie, introducing new characters and exciting storylines. Renner has moved on to lead roles in other projects, including *Mayor of Kingstown* and the highly anticipated *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*. Although he returned to the MCU for projects like *Hawkeye*, he recently declined a second season cameo due to unsatisfactory pay from Disney.

With suspense building around the eighth installment, *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning*, trailers hint at a thrilling global chase against an advanced AI system known as The Entity, pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking. Set for release on May 23, 2024, the film promises to shatter box office records, with its world premiere slated for the Cannes Film Festival.

Renner’s departure seems to reflect a growing trend among actors prioritizing family and personal commitments over ongoing franchises, showcasing the complex interplay between fame, duty, and personal values.