Tom Cruise is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. But he hasn’t earned that title just for his successful movies or great performances, but also for being one of the few actors who do his own stunts, risking his physical integrity along the way.

Despite not being an action hero per se, thanks to productions like Mission: Impossible or Top Gun, he has had the opportunity to demonstrate his athletic abilities and the great physical condition he is in even despite his age. But why does he continue to take risks if he is already a more than established star?

Speaking with Collider while promoting the next film on his biggest franchise, Cruise spoke about his commitment as an actor but also as a representative of the audience, which pushes him to challenge himself every time:

Tom Cruise thinks Mission: Impossible 7 Can Conquer New Audiences

Paramount Pictures

Beyond being intended for fans who have followed the adventures of Ethan Hunt since 1996, Mission Impossible 7 can work very well as an introduction to the whole franchise and attract new audiences. Or at least that’s something Cruise hopes will happen with the film, which in his words has all the ingredients to catch anyone’s attention:

In Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One Ethan and his team face their most dangerous mission yet. They must find a dangerous weapon that, if it falls into the wrong hands, could become a huge threat for humanity.

With this goal in mind, they will begin a race around the world facing a mysterious and more powerful enemy than they’ve imagined, which will put Ethan at the crossroads between choosing to fulfill his mission and risking the lives of the ones he loves.