Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci are busy writing the sequel to
J.J. Abrams' other film franchise
Star Trek, so the gig for
Mission Impossible IV has gone to
Alias co-executive producers/writers
Josh Applebaum and
Andre Nemec. Their task is to put together a two hour long screenplay based on the story they have concieved with Abrams and
Tom Cruise. At this point,
Variety once again confirm that Abrams and Cruise are only down for producing at this point, and there's some speculation that franchise character Ethan Hunt (Cruise) may only have a small supporting part in this one, in what could be a passing of the torch movie. After how well Cruise led
Mission Impossible III, I'm hopeful he will take a starring role in this one. I have full faith in his action hero leading man abilities, he's certainly not over the hill yet. And hopefully Abrams will find time to direct, but with
Star Trek 2 and this one set to be released in 2011, one would think he can't possibly do both.