The star is collaborating with 'Spider-Man''s Sam Raimi.

Is Tom Cruise crossing over into the comic book realm? The Hollywood Reporter says he's teamed up with 'Spider-Man' trilogy director Sam Raimi to develop a film based on DC Comics' Sleeper.

Tom is "loosely attached" to star as a superhero operative who merges with an alien artifact and becomes invulnerable to pain -- and can transfer his power to others through touch.

In the comic book, Sleeper's hero infiltrates a villain's den and falls in love with Miss Misery, one of the rogues he's supposed to take down, says the Reporter.

Back in the real world of film biz, Tom remains a full parter at MGM's United Artists, despite the fact that his producing partner Paula Wagner stepped down as CEO.