Shooting of the third movie in the Mission: Impossible franchise will finally get underway next month, Paramount Pictures confirmed today.

Director J.J. Abrams will film at locations across Europe and Asia, beginning in Italy on July 18.

Tom Cruise, who is producing the new installment, reprises his role as Ethan Hunt along with co-stars Ving Rhames, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Michelle Monaghan.

"Tom's history with Paramount has made for one of Hollywood's most successful relationships," said Paramount chairman Brad Grey. "The opportunity to continue our collaboration with him on 'Mission: Impossible 3' is everything anyone in show business could hope for.

"This has been a great franchise for Paramount Pictures and fantastic entertainment for moviegoers around the world. We're thrilled to be embarking on this exciting third 'Mission' with the amazing talents of Tom Cruise, J. J. Abrams, and the whole 'M:I 3' team."

Mission: Impossible 3 has a scheduled release date of May 5, 2006.