Paramount is moving the pieces for the next installment of the Mission Impossible franchise. Apparently, the next film won’t even include the famous Mission Impossible words on the title anymore. With director Brad Byrd at hand, Paramount is working hard on the reboot of sorts for the franchise.
Variety reports:
Insiders disclosed Thursday that the next film in the series won’t be called “Mission: Impossible IV.” It’s possible that the title won’t even include the familiar moniker (much as Christopher Nolan’s Batman sequel was simply titled “The Dark Knight”).
As part of the makeover, Par has closed a deal for Jeremy Renner (“The Hurt Locker”) to star opposite Tom Cruise in the untitled pic, which director Brad Bird begins lensing this fall. Renner will play as big a role as Cruise.
Bird will shoot in Vancouver, Prague, Dubai and the U.S.
Pic hits theaters Dec. 16, 2011.
In the first three installments, Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt worked with a team of agents. In Bird’s film, there won’t be a team of agents, but two, played by Cruise and Renner.
While Paramount envisions Cruise returning for subsequent films, Renner could play the central character in those installments.
Bird will direct the upcoming pic from a script by Josh Appelbaum and Andre Nemec. Details of the plot are under wraps, although those familiar with the project said the story brings a fresh perspective to the action-spy franchise. Nor will Bird’s film pick up from where the last film left off.J.J. Abrams is producing the film via his Par-based Bad Robot shingle. Skydance Prods., which has a slate financing deal with Par, is co-financing.
This is funny. What should we call the next one then? Objective: Really Hard? Proposition: Unattainable? I’m really interested in seeing what they come up with. As for the story and having Renner/Cruise working together, I’m all for it. I have no problems there. I’m really interested in getting that new title and logo/poster. We’ll see…
What do you think of this news? What possible story do you think they’ll do? Ok guys, hit me with the possible funny/awkward titles….
