Paula Patton signs up for ‘Mission: Impossible’

-CNN

Getting cast to star alongside Tom Cruise in an action franchise? That’s not a “Mission: Impossible” for Paula Patton.

The 34-year-old new mom – who welcomed her first child with husband Robin Thicke in April – has landed the lead female role in “M: I,” Deadline.com reports. Although this film has been referred to as “Mission: Impossible 4,” according to Deadline JJ Abrams and Cruise are approaching the movie as a reboot of the franchise.

Patton is expected to portray an operative who works with Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, and the actress reportedly beat out “A Walk to Remember’s” Lauren German and “Smallville’s” Kristen Kreuk for the part.

The movie also stars “Hurt Locker” actor Jeremy Renner, 39. Renner’s casting came as a bit of a surprise since Paramount was reportedly looking for a younger actor to eventually carry on the franchise.