by Steph Sharples

Deadline is reporting that Paramount has reached a deal with Tom Cruise to star in Mission Impossible 4. J.J. Abrams will be producing but not directing. Dammit. They are still in search of a director but Alias screenwriters Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec are already attached to write the script.

They're hoping to start shooting this summer in order to have a Memorial Day 2011 release date. Ethan Hunt will still be the main star despite recent rumors that it would be more of a reboot with the introduction of new characters. This could still be the case but Ethan Hunt is still central to the film.

The most recent film in the franchise earned $397,850,012 worldwide. This isn't that impressive once you factor in a huge production and marketing budget, and the fact that MI:2 made $546,209,889 worldwide. However, they wouldn't be green-lighting a fourth film unless they're turning a profit or expect to. Good for Tom for overcoming that "couch" incident and acting less insane. I think he's a solid action star and I've enjoyed all of the Mission Impossible films. Looking forward to this one.