Mission Impossible 3 Start Date

Mission: Impossible 3, starring Tom Cruise, will commence principal photography on July 18th in Italy, it was announced today by Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO Brad Grey.

The film, to be directed by J. J. Abrams and filmed on locations across Europe, the U.S. and Asia, is scheduled to be released May 5, 2006. Cruise and his partner, Paula Wagner, will produce for Cruise/Wagner Productions.

"Tom's history with Paramount has made for one of Hollywood's most successful relationships; the opportunity to continue our collaboration with him on 'Mission: Impossible 3' is everything anyone in show business could hope for. This has been a great franchise for Paramount Pictures and fantastic entertainment for moviegoers around the world. We're thrilled to be embarking on this exciting third 'Mission' with the amazing talents of Tom Cruise, J. J. Abrams, and the whole 'M:I 3' team," said Grey.

The third installment in the hugely successful "Mission: Impossible" series will feature Mr. Cruise reprising his role as Special Agent Ethan Hunt, along with co-stars Ving Rhames, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Michelle Monaghan, and the newest cast addition, Philip Seymour Hoffman.