Paula Patton Joins 'Mission: Impossible 4'

Director Brad Bird and lead Tom Cruise announced the much-anticipated female lead to join veteran spy Ethan Hunt in Paramount Picture's "Mission: Impossible 4.” According to "Deadline,” actress Paula Patton beat out Lauren German and Kristen Kreuk for the coveted role. Patton recently appeared in the films “Just Wright” and “Precious.”

       Patton’s signing followed directly on the news last week that "Hurt Locker" lead Jeremy Renner would also star as an operative in what’s being promoted as a “reboot” of the franchise including a name other than ‘Mission: Imppossible 4.”

      Cruise is co-producing the film with JJ Abrams. With a finished script that Cruise calls "fun, really fun" in place, Paramount Pictures and co-financer Skydance plans to begin production in 2011. No word yet on additional cast.

     Patton will next be seen in the family drama "Jumping the Broom” from director Salim Akil.