Report: Pitt to replace Cruise in 'M:I:IV'

Hollywood movie bosses want Brad Pitt to replace Tom Cruise in the next Mission: Impossible film, a report has claimed.

Paramount Pictures is determined to continue the successful series with a fourth movie, according to London Lite, but sacked Cruise last month over his erratic off-screen behaviour.

Now chiefs are said to be lining up Pitt as a replacement - a role which would make him the most well-paid actor in movie history.

"MI:I:IV will not include Cruise's character, agent Ethan Hunt," said an insider, explaining that he may be written off as having retired to spend time with his wife.

The source added: "They're set on Brad taking over as a gutsy new head operative who puts together his own unique team of specialists."

Paramount chairman Sumner Redstone let Cruise go in a shock move last month, commenting: "We don't think that someone who commits creative suicide and costs the company revenue should be on the lot."