Tom Cruise's Triumphant Return at Cannes

Tom Cruise took the Cannes Film Festival by storm on Wednesday, arriving on the red carpet to the tune of the 'Mission: Impossible' theme song. Organizers ensured the celebration was grand, possibly marking the action icon's last appearance in the franchise.

A high level of anticipation surrounded Cruise's return to Cannes, three years after his presentation of 'Top Gun: Maverick' with a dramatic jet flyover. At 62, Cruise was visibly moved, whispering 'wow' and 'bravo' to the performers. He took time to greet fans under the scorching sun before joining his fellow 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' stars on the carpet.

Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, Greg Tarzan Davis, Angela Bassett, Esai Morales, and Hannah Waddingham walked alongside Cruise, capturing the moment with fans. Also spotted were Zoe Saldana, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, and Cannes jury member Halle Berry. Cruise's role as Ethan Hunt continues in this eighth franchise installment directed by Christopher McQuarrie, hitting U.S. theaters May 23 with a substantial $400 million budget, providing hope for movie theaters' post-pandemic recovery.

(With inputs from agencies.)