Cruise, Abrams producing 'MI4'

LOS ANGELES, June 18 (UPI) -- Tom Cruise and J.J. Abrams have signed on to co-produce "Mission: Impossible IV" for the American movie studio Paramount Pictures.

The Hollywood Reporter said the latest installment in the action film series is targeted for a 2011 theatrical release.

Cruise starred as hero Ethan Hunt in the first three big-screen blockbusters, the last of which was released in 2006.

The entertainment industry trade newspaper said it was unclear whether Cruise will reprise his role or help Abrams rework the franchise, perhaps with a new cast as in Abrams' recent "Star Trek."

Other collaboration scenarios could see Cruise helping Abrams make the next movie closer to the original "Mission Impossible" TV show or playing Hunt as a mentor to a younger hero, The Hollywood Reporter noted.