Mission: Impossible 3 will finally start principal photography on July 18in Italy, it was announced yesterday by Paramount Pictures chairman and CEOBrad Grey. The film will be shot on locations across Europe, the US and Asiaand will be released in US theatres on May 5, 2006.

Tom Cruise will of coursestar and produce with his partner Paula Wagner through their Cruise/WagnerProductions. JJ Abrams is directing, with the cast so far including seriesregular Ving Rhames, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Michelle Monaghan and Philip SeymourHoffman.

"Tom's history withParamount has made for one of Hollywood's most successful relationships; theopportunity to continue our collaboration with him on Mission: Impossible 3 is everything anyone in show business could hope for,"gushed Grey. "This has been a great franchise for Paramount Pictures andfantastic entertainment for moviegoers around the world. We're thrilled to be embarking on thisexciting third "Mission" with the amazing talents of Tom Cruise, JJ Abrams, andthe whole M:I 3 team."