Can mended fences lure the star back to the franchise?

Will TOM CRUISE star in a fourth 'Mission: Impossible' movie? The franchise seemed doomed after Viacom/CBS executive chairman and controlling shareholder SUMNER REDSTONE ended a 14-year production relationship with the star and his producing partner, PAULA WAGNER, in August of 2006.

But now, according to the Associated Press, Cruise is in talks with Viacom-owned Paramount Pictures to star in another 'Impossible' installment, and the A-List star was reportedly seen dining with Redstone in Beverly Hills in March.

"I consider Tom Cruise a great actor and a good friend," Redstone was quoted as saying in a conference in South Korea on Tuesday. "And if Paramount decides -- and they will make the decision -- to move ahead with him, I will not object."

Redstone says the decision ultimately lies in the hands of BRAD GREY, the head of Paramount. There is no word yet on plot details, a release date or whether 'M:i:III' director J.J. ABRAMS will return for the proposed fourth chapter.