'Mission: Impossible 4': Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams to relaunch franchise

Tom Cruise is ready for his next mission.

The star will play Ethan Hunt again in Paramount Pictures' next "Mission: Impossible" film with J.J. Abrams producing, it was announced Tuesday (Feb. 9).

"Tom and J.J. are great talents and we are excited to be working with them to relaunch this legendary franchise," said Paramount Pictures Chairman & CEO, Brad Grey.

Cruise will also produce. Abrams, who directed the third film in the franchise, won't be returning to helm. They're currently looking to hire a director. Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec (who wrote for Abrams' TV series "Alias")  are attached to write the script from an original idea by Cruise and Abrams.

"Mission: Impossible IV" is scheduled for release Memorial Day weekend 2011.

It's a shame Abrams isn't on board to direct. He's particularly good at building believable characters amidst lots of action, something he demostrated with "M:I3" and "Star Trek."

Who do you think should direct the newest "Mission: Impossible"?

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Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams may take on 'Mission: Impossible 4'

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