Brad Bird, Steven Spielberg And J.J. Abrams Could Direct New STAR WARS Trilogy

Vulture reports that copies of this Star Wars Trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII and IX) treatment/outline from Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3, Oblivion, Catching Fire, Little Miss Sunshine) will be given to Brad Bird (Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol) Steven Spielberg (Robopocalypse) and J.J. Abrams (Star Trek Into Darkness) to read over. It's the first time we've heard the three directors linked to the trilogy by the trades. Previously, it had been rumored that writer/direct Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, Stardust, Layer Cake, X-Men First Class) was a possible candidate to direct.

I'm not totally sold that Abrams or Spielberg would end up signing on but it's interesting to hear them at least looking at the project. Bird is currently the fan favorite and could be in a better position to jump onboard. Considering Steven is about to shoot Robopcolypse while J.J. is still in post-production on Star Trek Into Darkess with Star Trek 3 already in development. Disney/LucasFilm will have to be moving quickly to be able to meet that Summer 2015 release date if they don't have a complete script in place.

Mission:Impossible 4 Ghost Protocol

Anil Kapoor Also Villain In Mission Impossible 4

Deadline reports there is yet another villain in Mission Impossible 4. Anil Kapoor best known to western audiences for his role in Slumdog Millionaire has been cast in the film and will play a villain.

Lea Seydoux Joins Mission Impossible 4

TheHollywoodReporter says that French actress Lea Seydoux (Robin Hood, Inglorious Basterds) has been cast in Mission Impossible 4 directed by Brad Bird (Incredibles). She will join Michael Nyqvist (Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) as the film's villains. It's been rumored the role had originally been offered to Noomi Rapace (Sherlock Holmes 2). The film also stars Tom Cruise along with Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker), Paula Patton,  Vladimir Mashkov, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg.

Josh Holloway Joins Mission Impossible 4

RiskyBusiness reports Lost's Josh Holloway has joined the cast of Mission Impossible 4.

Michael Nyqvist To Play Villain In Mission Impossible 4

HeatVision reports Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist has signed on to play one of the villains in Mission Impossible 4. Nyqvist is best known for his role in the Millennium (Dragon Tattoo, Played With Fire, Hornet's Nest) trilogy playing journalist Mikael Blomkvist. The character is now being portrayed by Daniel Craig in David Fincher's remake. It looks like it's not just Noomi Rapace who is benefiting from the success of the films.

Vladimir Mashkov Joins Mission Impossible 4

     Mission Impossible 4 is looking to be one of the better of the series. They previously cast Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker, Avengers) who is expected to keep the franchise going in future films. Russian actor Vladimir Mashkov has now been dded to the lineup. Vladimir is is best known for his villainous roles in Behind Enemy Lines and 15 Minutes. It's unknown if will keep his track record of playing villains or will be part of Hunt's team.

While this is exciting news and should mean we'll be hearing more casting information in the next couple of weeks. It doesn't look good for the involvement of Swedish actress Noomi Rapace. She had been rumored to have been in talks with producers for a role. Yet it looks like with her involvement in Sherlock Holmes 2 it's not likely she'll be in the film. Rapace is currently blowing up in Hollywood after her performance in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. She's been in talks and offered roles in many projects in the last month or two. They include the Alien prequels, Witch Hunters (with Renner) and the action comedy This Means War. Simon Pegg has yet to officially sign on too but is still being attached to press releases. It's expected that Pegg could easily do the film since his character's scenes are limited.

Paula Patton Joins Mission: Impossible 4

Paula Patton (De Ja Vu) has been cast in Mission Impossible: 4 she joins Cruise, Renner and Ving Rhames. MI4 is expected to introduce characters that will continue the franchise when Cruise exits.

Noomi Rapace Offered Role In MI4 & Other Casting News

Tom Cruise and the studio aren't mucking about when it comes to casting Mission Impossible 4. They've already hired Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker) and now according to Deadline are in active talks with Noomi Rapace for a role. Noomi is best known for her powerful performnces in the Swedish trilogy: The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest. Hopefully they'll be able to rangle this powerhouse actress for the series.


In other Mission Impossible 4 casting news three actresses have screen tested for the film. They include Lauren German (Happy Town, Hostel II), Paula Patton (Precious) and Kristin Kreuk (Smallville).


Simon Pegg is also in talks to reprise his role in the series.

Jeremy Renner Joins Mission Impossible 4

Deadline reports Jeremy Renner (Hurt Locker) will star opposite Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 4. Jeremy is likely to take over the series if Cruise decides to walk after the fourth installment. He has also lined up a very high profile role as Clint Brton (Hawkeye) in The Avengers which starts shooting early next year and could lead to his own solo movies.