“White Queen” Rebecca Ferguson is the choice for the female lead in Paramount and Skydance’s “Mission: Impossible 5.”
No formal offer has been presented to Ferguson yet, but sources say she is the choice of Cruise, director Chris McQuarrie and the studio.
Cruise, Skydance’s David Ellison and J.J. Abrams are producing.
Plot details are being kept under wraps but sources say Ferguson’s character would be some sort of assassin. Drew Pearce penned the script.
The studio had originally looked at Jessica Chastain for the part but the actress could not commit to enough time for the shoot. Sources tell Variety that the studio wants Ferguson to begin training for the role sometime in June and work all the way through filming, which would go till the end of January.
Ferguson provides the type of athletic look Cruise and company are looking for, while her schedule will allow her to fully focus on the part.
She is repped by Actors in Scandinavia and Tavistock Management and is best known for her role as Queen Elizabeth in Starz’s “The White Queen.” She can also be seen next in Paramount and MGM’s “Hercules.”
