When doing the press rounds for a film as big as Mission: Impossible, it’s hard not to hear a question about sequels. Normally, answers seem to pander to the talk show hosts, but in some cases, there are truths to the talent’s answers. In this case, Tom Cruise said that they were working on Mission: Impossible 6, despite the Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation not having it’s US theatrical release at the time. Of course, studios base their decision on the film’s performance at the box office, and now with Rogue Nation taking the number one spot at the box office with an impressive $57 million last weekend, there was no question that a sequel would be in order.

More after the jump.

Variety confirms that Paramount would move forward with Mission: Impossible 6. Rogue Nation‘s weekend opening was just shy of being the top grossing film in the Mission: Impossible franchise, falling about a million short of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol‘s box office opening.

Paramount Pictures Vice Chairman Rob Moore confirmed the news to the news outlet. “We’re very happy to be developing this movie with Tom. There’s no question that Ethan Hunt deserves another film.”

Cruise had commented on the status of Mission: Impossible 6 last week during an interview with The Daily Show host Jon Stewart.

“We’re starting to work on it now. We’ll probably start shooting it next summer.”

The Mission: Impossible film franchise has accounted for over $2 billion at the box office worldwide, proving it is a global hit. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down, with each film being a commercial and critical success. Rogue Nation is certified fresh, and currently has a 93% approval rating. With a string of flops, Rogue Nation‘s success proves that Cruise can still draw audiences to theaters.

No word yet on if Christopher McQuarrie will return to direct the sequel. Mission: Impossible‘s success can be attributed to the different directors bringing in new and different visions to the franchise. Previous directors include Brian De Palma, John Woo, JJ Abrams, and Brad Bird.

As aforementioned, Cruise expects to start shooting Mission: Impossible 6 next summer, and is currently the only one confirmed to have a role. The actor has also expressed an interest in reprising his role as Major William Cage for Edge of Tomorrow 2, having already pitched the idea to director Doug Liman and screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie. He is currently shooting the drug thriller Mena with Liman.

[Source: Variety]