Carnahan to direct Mission: Impossible 3
“Narc” director Joe Carnahan is in final negotiations to helm Paramount Pictures and Cruise/Wagner Prods.’ third installment of their “Mission: Impossible” franchise.

Dean Georgaris is in negotiations to script “M:I-3.” The franchise’s original screenwriter, Robert Towne remains on board. Paramount is eyeing a summer 2004 release date for the film.

“M:I-3” reunites Carnahan with the studio and the production company as it was Cruise/Wagner that urged Paramount to pick up for distribution Carnahan’s film “Narc.” Paula Wagner and Tom Cruise also had executive producing credits on the project.

In April, David Fincher had been finalizing a deal to direct “M:I-3” but has since departed the project. “M:I-3” was just one of several features Fincher had been attached to around town. Now Carnahan will continue the “Mission” franchise.

Cruise will reprise his role of Ethan Hunt, who works for a special undercover unit. Cruise produces the franchise with Wagner. “M:I-3” will be the third collaboration among Carnahan, Cruise/Wagner and Paramount. Last month, the trio teamed with DreamWorks on “Killing Pablo”.

Tom Cruise’s witch
According to Daily Variety trade magazine, Cruise is preparing to star in a Danny DeVito-directed remake of the 1942 comedy I Married a Witch.
The movie is about a witch who puts a centuries-long curse on a family’s male descendants, only to fall in love with one of them and retreat to a life of mortal domesticity.

Ironically, Cruise originally developed I Married A Witch five years ago as a movie in which he was to star with his then-wife Kidman.

Cruise on Vanity Fair cover
Vanity Fair has apparently assembled a group of five big name male movie stars for the cover of its Hollywood issue, on sale March 7.
The magazine shot Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford and Jack Nicholson for its cover. A fifth actor, possibly Tom Hanks, will join the group.
Watch monday’s Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood for more details.