Tom Cruise is challenging 'Aquaman' with 'Mission: Impossible 6'

Paramount Pictures just announced that Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible 6 will be released on July 28, 2018. If that date sounds familiar, it's because Warner Bros. already announced Jason Momoa's Aquaman for that day.

This isn't the first time a major action movie has tried to take on DC Comics. Transformers 5 put itself on Wonder Woman's original release date, prompting Warner Bros. to move up Gal Gadot's solo superhero movie to avoid losing revenue against those cool cars.

Now the question arises... will Warner Bros. move Aquaman away from Tom Cruise and Mission: Impossible 6? The last two Mission: Impossible movies have been very successful, both grossing nearly $700 million worldwide.

My guess is that Aquaman's release date will move. Partly because of Mission: Impossible 6, but also because of the drama surrounding The Flash. With no director, that movie probably isn't going to come out in March 2018 anymore. I'm not sure if Aquaman will be moved up quite that far, but I would expect to hear a new release date soon. In fact, everything after Justice League could change. Here's our current upcoming schedule:

Wonder Woman – June 2, 2017
Justice League Part One – November 17, 2017
The Flash – March 16, 2018
Aquaman – July 27, 2018
Untitled Movie – October 5, 2018
Shazam – April 5, 2019
Justice League Part Two – June 14, 2019
Untitled Movie – November 1, 2019
Cyborg – April 3, 2020
Green Lantern – June 19, 2020

Do you think Warner Bros. will move Aquaman away from Mission: Impossible 6 to maximize profits? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

SOURCE: Variety

48 comments

Jcool

November 8, 2016

If anything Mission Impossible is going to want to move. Lowest of these new DC films opening weekend, MOS with 116 million. MI: Rogue Nation opened to 55 million.

Memorian
November 8, 2016
Yea but at the same time, they still attract the same audience. Both of these films opening the same day would be taking money away from eachother and MI is still the more well known property. Sure Rogue Nation opened with 55 mill but it finished with $680mill+. But I could see a scenario where Aquaman stands it's ground.
BatmanNewsChris
November 8, 2016
I don't see Mission Impossible moving since they picked this date after already knowing there was a DC movie set for the same day.
1. Jcool
  November 8, 2016
  There was an untitled Marvel film... DC put BvS in that spot. Marvel came out with Captain America: Civil War... DC moved.
  1. BatmanNewsChris
    November 8, 2016
    But they know they're up against Aquaman, so they aren't intimidated. Aquaman will definitely move, not the other way around.
    1. Jcool
      November 8, 2016
      And after Justice League comes out. Is a huge hit & Aquaman is a fan favorite. MI will move.
    2. BatmanNewsChris
      November 8, 2016
      We shall see!
    3. The walking Cuban
      November 8, 2016
      I think you're right on this Chris, and it'd be the right move, humility for more money? Do it.
    4. Hunter Zolomon
      November 9, 2016
      Thats a if though, JL could be a let down and AM could be disliked in it (going by the actor playing him who is hit or miss that could be likely).
    5. EasyThere Pilgrim
      November 11, 2016
      Paramount has obviously heard that Aquaman will be moving. There's no way they want MI:6 going up against Aquaman.
    6. Hunter Zolomon
      November 12, 2016
      MI franchise is bigger then Aquaman though and has been making more money each film.
Hunter Zolomon
November 9, 2016
Aquaman to the average public (the ones what bring in the money) is considered a joke (i love Aquaman and DON'T think this at all) so i doubt it would beat MI6 a series what has gotten better each film. Also using MoS as an example is stupid because thats a Superman film you know the most famous superhero of them all, BvS had a Batman and Superman and SS had Joker and Harley and Will Smith. DC has yet to prove that one of lesser known characters can make money like AM and Cyborg and to an extent The Flash (the TV show is great and popular but people who don't watch that wouldn't know of The Flash).
1. EasyThere Pilgrim
  November 11, 2016
  Batman was considered a joke before his movies came out. The point is....everyone knows who Aquaman is, and Momoa is no joke. Paramount has obviously heard that Aquaman's release date is changing.
  1. Hunter Zolomon
    November 12, 2016
    Batman is just as big as Superman though, 1989 Batman sure made Batman more serious with Nolan finally capturing Batman almost perfectly (i say almost because his Bats isn'that great of fighter depite my love for Bale's performance). Aquaman though has had nothing but years of media taking the piss out of him, hell even the JL trailer made a joke about him "talking to fish", as for Momoa well again he's hit or miss and has yet to prove he can hold a movie all by himself, i loved him in GoT but he was terrible as Conan (sure the film was terrible but so was he).

Memorian

November 8, 2016

Aquaman could easily move to August couldn't it? I like that people are pushing more blockbusters into August, it helps when the Summer movie season starts to slow down and you make a bit more because there is such few competition out there.

I like the MI series though, but if they were coming out the same day, I'd choose Aquaman for the weekend ^^

OptimistPrime99

November 8, 2016

"Challenge, F*cking, Accepted"! https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

Josh Zoll

November 8, 2016

If Warner Brothers can't get a director locked down for Flash soon then I can see Aquaman moving up and Flash moving back. They are going to be extra careful following the negative fan and critics reactions to both Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad.

TWC
November 8, 2016
Good strategy. Wan makes bombastic films, I can easily see this underdog being the dark horse, the sleeper hit, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be my fave DCEU film. Flash needs help, quick, fast, and in a hurry, as my Mickey D's manager was wont to say.

BatmanNewsChris

November 8, 2016

Same. Mission: Impossible 2 is one of my favorite movies, which is weird because most consider it the weakest of the franchise.

residentgrigo
November 9, 2016
MI 2 is trash, John Woo´s worst film. Watch his The Killer or Hard Boiled to see the difference. MI 3-5 are good (1 is ok) and 4 is the best.
https://media0.giphy.com/me...

Knight Radiant

November 8, 2016

Mission Impossible will win that fight unless Aquaman is the real standout of Justice League which I doubt. WB will probably shift. MI franchise has been crazy consistently great.

Jax Teller
November 9, 2016
I doubt it considering the fact that Jason Momoa has built himself a pretty solid following with his roles. And when they connect James Wan to the marketing of the film I'm sure it'll get a lot of hype.
And I don't mean to sound like that guy but the Bourne franchise was consistently solid (With the exception of Legacy since different crew. But Mission Impossible has been a bit uneven.
1 was alright, 2 was decent, 3 was solid, 4 was epic, 5 was solid. (Personal Opinion)
1. OGmacrazy
  November 9, 2016
  Did you actually imply Jason Momoa's following has any chance of beating a Mission Impossible movie, with Tom fucking Cruise, one of the biggest movie stars of all time? Momoa's mostly known for Game of Thrones, and a cameo in BvS...
  You also helped his argument. Mission Impossible has been incredibly consistent throughout. And the last 2 movies have been the best ones... (btw, uneven would be good-bad-decent-terrible-awesome-etc)
  1. Jax Teller
    November 9, 2016
    One of the biggest movie stars of all time? What drugs are you on? Tom Cruise had heat and I enjoy his films but he gets respect for doing his own stunts. He's NOT that big.
    My favorite Tom Cruise roles were Edge of Tomorrow, Top Gun, Tropic Thunder. But he's no Tom Hardy.
    Jason Momoa is a pretty serious worker. SG: Atlantis, GoT(The biggest show), Baywatch, etc...
    I was being generous with 3 and 5. They weren't that good. But 4 was solid.
    1. OGmacrazy
      November 9, 2016
      5 is one of the best. Only 4 can be considered better. Either way, yes, he is. He is an actor that can actually pull viewership just for being there, and not many nowadays can say that. And now you try to make that argument for Momoa, who has never acted in a big theatrical release (unless you count the failed attempt at rebooting the Conan franchise big), and whose only solid acting credit is for being in the first season of Game of Thrones? Damn, dude. Tons of actors have been in GoT, longer than he has, and most people have no idea who they are. I love Momoa, but the dude has no star credibility as of yet.
      Also, he is no Tom Hardy? Nobody loves Tom Hardy more than I do, but he's very young and has started out only recently. Tom Cruise has been huge since the 80's, without ever slowing down...
      Just check out his movies' box office, and then the adjusted box office... Few actors have made more than he has, and he's never been in a super hero film (unlike RDJ, Samuel L Jackson, who's been in Star Wars AND MCU movies, for example).
    2. Jax Teller
      November 9, 2016
      Then explain Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. That film didn't pull in a lot, despite Tom Cruise being marketed pretty hard.
      If you think people don't remember Khal Drogo, the dude who banged their precious Khalessi in the beginning... IDK what GoT watchers you've been talking to.
      And I'm not really talking about the star credibility of Jason momoa, I'm more talking about that "Nerds" love him for his roles. And the casual movie goers will be attracted to "James Wan the Director of Furious 7" (We know that's how they'll market it).
      Tom Cruise is more infamous for his Scientology credibility. But his fame comes from his willingness to do his own stunts. Most people I know see his films and are really impressed by his stunts and not his acting.
      But Superhero film vs Spy Thriller film, that isn't Skyfall. I'm not really worried.
      Especially since Geoff Johns/Zack Snyder with JL could deliver an Epic portrayal of Aquaman that could get people very hyped for his solo film.
    3. OGmacrazy
      November 9, 2016
      So, by that logic, how does Jason Momoa have any kind of following after Bullet to the Head and Conan were huge bombs, and he had a significant role in both?
      Being a star obviously does not guarantee success everytime, but I assure you that if Cruise wasn't attached to Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, it wouldn't have made as much as it did, as little as that is. The schedule of release, besides lack of interest in a sequel killed it, and there's no star power that can fight that.
      Either way, Mission Impossible is a franchise that never failed to bring in money, and WB should be very wary of that.
    4. EasyThere Pilgrim
      November 11, 2016
      Aquaman would beat Mission Impossible in a head-to-head battle. But everyone suspects that Aquaman's release-date is moving.
    5. OGmacrazy
      November 11, 2016
      Yeah, that's very probable, but it would take away millions of dollars from it, and Aquaman/DC has a lot more to lose (definitely going to have a bigger budget, and has a lot more to prove).

Martinezxyz

November 8, 2016

One will move, but damn, would love to see both same day

The walking Cuban
November 8, 2016
Watched 2 with my wife this summer, man, loooong night, but so fun! She's more into comedy so, won't happen with those 2, but man that would be great

Kryptonian Knight

November 9, 2016

Sorry Aquaman, I can't wait to see your solo film but you ain't beating Ethan Hunt at the box office. There's a reason this is number 6, Aquaman will capitulate or lose tens of millions.

Meg

November 9, 2016

It depends. If Justice League were a big hit and helped Aquaman gain a new fanbase, MI:6 might have to move, though most likely I don't see that happening. M:I is an established franchise, even with Aquaman releasing on the same day people are still going to the theater to see it.

Yohn

November 9, 2016

If nobody budges, I'll watch MI first.

FUN
November 9, 2016
Saving the best for last, huh.... Touche!

Unicorn Killer

November 9, 2016

MI is a great franchise and I love it. But DC movies always have solid opening and it was directed by James. MI must be worried. I would watch Aquaman over MI any day

Ross Al Ghul

November 9, 2016

In other words: Aquaman is FUCKED.

grayghost84

November 9, 2016

Wow, surprised to see so many on here would see MI over Aquaman. MI flicks are great, but DC comics Aquaman are you kidding me, I'll be there opening night! MI I'll watch at home.

Zoom

November 9, 2016

There is no Justice League Part 1 and 2, it has long been confirmed that JL 1 and 2 are two entirely different films, not a two parter.

Also there are already strong rumors that Aquaman will take the slot of Flash. Thats nothing new.

jrvc

November 9, 2016

Why is everybody acting like they can only watch one movie of the two? : /

Virgil Scott
November 9, 2016
That's what I was thinking.

Jax Teller

November 9, 2016

Bourne > Mission Impossible.

Jax Teller
November 9, 2016
That's cool, but Matt Damon > Tom Cruise.
The Bourne films are how spy thrillers should be done.

krampe1995

November 9, 2016

i dont see the problem with pushing it back one week or so. One of them is going to move

Vine

November 9, 2016

Is there anyone has difficulty watching two films in the same weekend?

Bruce Wayne

November 9, 2016

How about watching both or just the one you want to watch?

Matches Malone

November 13, 2016

WB will change the Aquaman date. Especially with The Flash's director leaving.

AnonymousHero

January 27, 2017

That's a formidable challenge; don't get it twisted. Mission Impossible films have been nothing short of GREAT (though I wasn't a big fan of 4). Big audiences will come for both and probably most of the same audiences, because you can double down on the fact that I'll be seeing both (God willing).

I sure hope MI:6 is the last one. I think it'd be a great and ironic way to end it, just given the fact that Secret Intelligence Service's name is also MI6.

Jcool
November 8, 2016
If anything Mission Impossible is going to want to move. Lowest of these new DC films opening weekend, MOS with 116 million. MI: Rogue Nation opened to 55 million.
1. Memorian
  November 8, 2016
  Yea but at the same time, they still attract the same audience. Both of these films opening the same day would be taking money away from eachother and MI is still the more well known property. Sure Rogue Nation opened with 55 mill but it finished with $680mill+. But I could see a scenario where Aquaman stands it's ground.
2. BatmanNewsChris
  November 8, 2016
  I don't see Mission Impossible moving since they picked this date after already knowing there was a DC movie set for the same day.
  1. Jcool
    November 8, 2016
    There was an untitled Marvel film... DC put BvS in that spot. Marvel came out with Captain America: Civil War... DC moved.
    1. BatmanNewsChris
      November 8, 2016
      But they know they're up against Aquaman, so they aren't intimidated. Aquaman will definitely move, not the other way around.
      1. Jcool
        November 8, 2016
        And after Justice League comes out. Is a huge hit & Aquaman is a fan favorite. MI will move.
      2. BatmanNewsChris
        November 8, 2016
        We shall see!
      3. The walking Cuban
        November 8, 2016
        I think you're right on this Chris, and it'd be the right move, humility for more money? Do it.
      4. Hunter Zolomon
        November 9, 2016
        Thats a if though, JL could be a let down and AM could be disliked in it (going by the actor playing him who is hit or miss that could be likely).
      5. EasyThere Pilgrim
        November 11, 2016
        Paramount has obviously heard that Aquaman will be moving. There's no way they want MI:6 going up against Aquaman.
      6. Hunter Zolomon
        November 12, 2016
        MI franchise is bigger then Aquaman though and has been making more money each film.
3. Hunter Zolomon
  November 9, 2016
  Aquaman to the average public (the ones what bring in the money) is considered a joke (i love Aquaman and DON'T think this at all) so i doubt it would beat MI6 a series what has gotten better each film. Also using MoS as an example is stupid because thats a Superman film you know the most famous superhero of them all, BvS had a Batman and Superman and SS had Joker and Harley and Will Smith. DC has yet to prove that one of lesser known characters can make money like AM and Cyborg and to an extent The Flash (the TV show is great and popular but people who don't watch that wouldn't know of The Flash).
  1. EasyThere Pilgrim
    November 11, 2016
    Batman was considered a joke before his movies came out. The point is....everyone knows who Aquaman is, and Momoa is no joke. Paramount has obviously heard that Aquaman's release date is changing.
    1. Hunter Zolomon
      November 12, 2016
      Batman is just as big as Superman though, 1989 Batman sure made Batman more serious with Nolan finally capturing Batman almost perfectly (i say almost because his Bats isn'that great of fighter depite my love for Bale's performance). Aquaman though has had nothing but years of media taking the piss out of him, hell even the JL trailer made a joke about him "talking to fish", as for Momoa well again he's hit or miss and has yet to prove he can hold a movie all by himself, i loved him in GoT but he was terrible as Conan (sure the film was terrible but so was he).
Memorian
November 8, 2016
Aquaman could easily move to August couldn't it? I like that people are pushing more blockbusters into August, it helps when the Summer movie season starts to slow down and you make a bit more because there is such few competition out there.
I like the MI series though, but if they were coming out the same day, I'd choose Aquaman for the weekend ^^
OptimistPrime99
November 8, 2016
"Challenge, F*cking, Accepted"! https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
Josh Zoll
November 8, 2016
If Warner Brothers can't get a director locked down for Flash soon then I can see Aquaman moving up and Flash moving back. They are going to be extra careful following the negative fan and critics reactions to both Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad.
1. TWC
  November 8, 2016
  Good strategy. Wan makes bombastic films, I can easily see this underdog being the dark horse, the sleeper hit, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it turned out to be my fave DCEU film. Flash needs help, quick, fast, and in a hurry, as my Mickey D's manager was wont to say.
BatmanNewsChris
November 8, 2016
Same. Mission: Impossible 2 is one of my favorite movies, which is weird because most consider it the weakest of the franchise.
1. residentgrigo
  November 9, 2016
  MI 2 is trash, John Woo´s worst film. Watch his The Killer or Hard Boiled to see the difference. MI 3-5 are good (1 is ok) and 4 is the best.
  https://media0.giphy.com/me...
Knight Radiant
November 8, 2016
Mission Impossible will win that fight unless Aquaman is the real standout of Justice League which I doubt. WB will probably shift. MI franchise has been crazy consistently great.
1. Jax Teller
  November 9, 2016
  I doubt it considering the fact that Jason Momoa has built himself a pretty solid following with his roles. And when they connect James Wan to the marketing of the film I'm sure it'll get a lot of hype.
  And I don't mean to sound like that guy but the Bourne franchise was consistently solid (With the exception of Legacy since different crew. But Mission Impossible has been a bit uneven.
  1 was alright, 2 was decent, 3 was solid, 4 was epic, 5 was solid. (Personal Opinion)
  1. OGmacrazy
    November 9, 2016
    Did you actually imply Jason Momoa's following has any chance of beating a Mission Impossible movie, with Tom fucking Cruise, one of the biggest movie stars of all time? Momoa's mostly known for Game of Thrones, and a cameo in BvS...
    You also helped his argument. Mission Impossible has been incredibly consistent throughout. And the last 2 movies have been the best ones... (btw, uneven would be good-bad-decent-terrible-awesome-etc)
    1. Jax Teller
      November 9, 2016
      One of the biggest movie stars of all time? What drugs are you on? Tom Cruise had heat and I enjoy his films but he gets respect for doing his own stunts. He's NOT that big.
      My favorite Tom Cruise roles were Edge of Tomorrow, Top Gun, Tropic Thunder. But he's no Tom Hardy.
      Jason Momoa is a pretty serious worker. SG: Atlantis, GoT(The biggest show), Baywatch, etc...
      I was being generous with 3 and 5. They weren't that good. But 4 was solid.
      1. OGmacrazy
        November 9, 2016
        5 is one of the best. Only 4 can be considered better. Either way, yes, he is. He is an actor that can actually pull viewership just for being there, and not many nowadays can say that. And now you try to make that argument for Momoa, who has never acted in a big theatrical release (unless you count the failed attempt at rebooting the Conan franchise big), and whose only solid acting credit is for being in the first season of Game of Thrones? Damn, dude. Tons of actors have been in GoT, longer than he has, and most people have no idea who they are. I love Momoa, but the dude has no star credibility as of yet.
        Also, he is no Tom Hardy? Nobody loves Tom Hardy more than I do, but he's very young and has started out only recently. Tom Cruise has been huge since the 80's, without ever slowing down...
        Just check out his movies' box office, and then the adjusted box office... Few actors have made more than he has, and he's never been in a super hero film (unlike RDJ, Samuel L Jackson, who's been in Star Wars AND MCU movies, for example).
      2. Jax Teller
        November 9, 2016
        Then explain Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. That film didn't pull in a lot, despite Tom Cruise being marketed pretty hard.
        If you think people don't remember Khal Drogo, the dude who banged their precious Khalessi in the beginning... IDK what GoT watchers you've been talking to.
        And I'm not really talking about the star credibility of Jason momoa, I'm more talking about that "Nerds" love him for his roles. And the casual movie goers will be attracted to "James Wan the Director of Furious 7" (We know that's how they'll market it).
        Tom Cruise is more infamous for his Scientology credibility. But his fame comes from his willingness to do his own stunts. Most people I know see his films and are really impressed by his stunts and not his acting.
        But Superhero film vs Spy Thriller film, that isn't Skyfall. I'm not really worried.
        Especially since Geoff Johns/Zack Snyder with JL could deliver an Epic portrayal of Aquaman that could get people very hyped for his solo film.
      3. OGmacrazy
        November 9, 2016
        So, by that logic, how does Jason Momoa have any kind of following after Bullet to the Head and Conan were huge bombs, and he had a significant role in both?
        Being a star obviously does not guarantee success everytime, but I assure you that if Cruise wasn't attached to Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, it wouldn't have made as much as it did, as little as that is. The schedule of release, besides lack of interest in a sequel killed it, and there's no star power that can fight that.
        Either way, Mission Impossible is a franchise that never failed to bring in money, and WB should be very wary of that.
      4. EasyThere Pilgrim
        November 11, 2016
        Aquaman would beat Mission Impossible in a head-to-head battle. But everyone suspects that Aquaman's release-date is moving.
      5. OGmacrazy
        November 11, 2016
        Yeah, that's very probable, but it would take away millions of dollars from it, and Aquaman/DC has a lot more to lose (definitely going to have a bigger budget, and has a lot more to prove).
Martinezxyz
November 8, 2016
One will move, but damn, would love to see both same day
1. The walking Cuban
  November 8, 2016
  Watched 2 with my wife this summer, man, loooong night, but so fun! She's more into comedy so, won't happen with those 2, but man that would be great
Kryptonian Knight
November 9, 2016
Sorry Aquaman, I can't wait to see your solo film but you ain't beating Ethan Hunt at the box office. There's a reason this is number 6, Aquaman will capitulate or lose tens of millions.
Meg
November 9, 2016
It depends. If Justice League were a big hit and helped Aquaman gain a new fanbase, MI:6 might have to move, though most likely I don't see that happening. M:I is an established franchise, even with Aquaman releasing on the same day people are still going to the theater to see it.
Yohn
November 9, 2016
If nobody budges, I'll watch MI first.
1. FUN
  November 9, 2016
  Saving the best for last, huh.... Touche!
Unicorn Killer
November 9, 2016
MI is a great franchise and I love it. But DC movies always have solid opening and it was directed by James. MI must be worried. I would watch Aquaman over MI any day
Ross Al Ghul
November 9, 2016
In other words: Aquaman is FUCKED.
grayghost84
November 9, 2016
Wow, surprised to see so many on here would see MI over Aquaman. MI flicks are great, but DC comics Aquaman are you kidding me, I'll be there opening night! MI I'll watch at home.
Zoom
November 9, 2016
There is no Justice League Part 1 and 2, it has long been confirmed that JL 1 and 2 are two entirely different films, not a two parter.
Also there are already strong rumors that Aquaman will take the slot of Flash. Thats nothing new.
jrvc
November 9, 2016
Why is everybody acting like they can only watch one movie of the two? : /
1. Virgil Scott
  November 9, 2016
  That's what I was thinking.
Jax Teller
November 9, 2016
Bourne > Mission Impossible.
1. Jax Teller
  November 9, 2016
  That's cool, but Matt Damon > Tom Cruise.
  The Bourne films are how spy thrillers should be done.
krampe1995
November 9, 2016
i dont see the problem with pushing it back one week or so. One of them is going to move
Vine
November 9, 2016
Is there anyone has difficulty watching two films in the same weekend?
Bruce Wayne
November 9, 2016
How about watching both or just the one you want to watch?
Matches Malone
November 13, 2016
WB will change the Aquaman date. Especially with The Flash's director leaving.
AnonymousHero
January 27, 2017
That's a formidable challenge; don't get it twisted. Mission Impossible films have been nothing short of GREAT (though I wasn't a big fan of 4). Big audiences will come for both and probably most of the same audiences, because you can double down on the fact that I'll be seeing both (God willing).
I sure hope MI:6 is the last one. I think it'd be a great and ironic way to end it, just given the fact that Secret Intelligence Service's name is also MI6.

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