Cruise, Abrams accept ‘Mission: Impossible IV’

LOS ANGELES - Tom Cruise and J.J. Abrams are returning to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, Variety reported. The two will co-produce a fourth installment in the series with a 2011 release date in mind.

A Paramount rep confirmed to Access Hollywood last week that “Mission: Impossible IV” was in “the discussion stage,” and in a recent interview with TV Guide, Abrams revealed that the film was in the works.

“Tom and I have come up with a really cool idea we are pursuing,” Abrams, fresh off directing “Star Trek,” told the mag. “I am incredibly honored that Tom has invited me back as a producer.”

It has not yet been confirmed if Abrams will direct “M:I IV” as he did with 2006’s “M:I III.”

Both Abrams and Cruise have a number of other projects in the queue — Abrams is also developing a “Star Trek” sequel, and Cruise has been reportedly negotiating to star in several films, including an untitled movie opposite Cameron Diaz and spy drama “The Matarese Circle,” to which Denzel Washington is also attached.

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