Jeremy Renner Explains Why He Walked Away From the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE Franchise
Whenever a actor disappears from a major franchise, fans are quick to speculate about why. Was it creative differences, contract disputes, or scheduling issues? But sometimes the truth is far simpler and more human.
In Jeremy Renner’s case, the reason he stepped away from the Mission: Impossible franchise came down to one simple thing… fatherhood.
Renner opened up in a recent appearance on the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, where he talked about his new memoir My Next Breath, and reflected on his career and personal life.
When the conversation turned to his exit from Mission: Impossible, Renner didn’t hesitate to explain his decision:
"It's more the willingness to step away from things. My daughter is a priority, and it's not even a choice. I'm gonna be a father to my daughter.
“If they're gonna keep shooting in London, it's just not going to work. I had to walk away from Tom Cruise, the Mission: Impossible, sadly."
Back in 2010, there were big plans for Renner. After Ghost Protocol, he was being positioned to potentially take over the franchise. The character of William Brandt was a solid addition to the team, and fans were curious to see where it might go.
But when it came time to continue the globe-trotting spy saga, Renner chose to stay grounded. He went on to share:
“I love Tom, I love doing those movies, they're so fun. But I couldn't. I had to really be a dad. They're still shooting seven and eight right now. I just talked to one of the stunt guys, it took five years. I'm like 'I have to be a dad, I can't go do that.'"
That kind of commitment, filming off and on for half a decade, would take anyone away from home for a long stretch, and Renner wasn’t willing to trade that time with his daughter for more time on set.
While many stars embrace the constant travel, for Renner, it was a matter of priorities. And he doesn’t regret it.
“And God bless him, I love that, I wish I could do that, [but] I love the choice I made, I love being a dad. It's the best role I've ever had.”
Renner has found space to star in projects which allow for a more manageable schedule, and i must be nice for him to be in that kind of position.
In a world where franchises often come first, Renner’s story is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the most heroic thing you can do is stay home with your kids. Would fans love to see William Brandt return? Absolutely. But more than that, it’s hard not to respect the man for choosing the role that matters most.
