Mission: Impossible IV Finds Screenwriters

Mission: Impossible IV is now official as producers Tom Cruise and J.J. Abrams have picked Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec to write the screenplay.

Both Applebaum and Nemec have previously worked with Abrams on the TV show "Alias" and they will be writing "M:I 4" based on a story they penned with Abrams. The duo are also creators of the new ABC series "Happy Town" and their previous television creator credits also include "October Road" and the US version of "Life on Mars."

"I've been looking forward to working with Josh and Andre again for years," Abrams said to VARIETY. "Their sense of balance between character and action is wonderful, which I know is hugely important to Tom as well. We're off to an exciting start, so, as usual, fingers crossed."

Cruise will also reprise his role as Ethan Hunt, though it is unknown how large his role will be. It is also not known if Abrams will be directing since he is also developing the next "Star Trek" film. "M:I 4" will have a 2011 release date.