Tom Cruise for Mission: Impossible 5

Actor officially signs on for a fifth film in the action series

Tom Cruise has signed up for the next 'Mission: Impossible' film, it's been confirmed.

Cruise, who has starred in all the films so far, will return as agent Ethan Hunt and will also produce the film for Paramount.

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So far a director and writer remains unconfirmed, but according to Deadline, both jobs are likely to be taken up by Christopher McQuarrie, who adapted and directed 'Jack Reacher' with Cruise.

JJ Abrams' – who directed the third film – and his production company Bad Robot will also be in the mix for the project.

The last film in the series, 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol' saw 'The Incredibles' director Brad Bird at the helm.

It also scored Cruise his biggest box office haul, grossing nearly $700 million on its $145 million production budget.

In all, the series, which has also boasted involvement from directors John Woo and Brian De Palma, has grossed over $2 billion.