Has he given up the life of a secret-keeping secret agent for the pleasures and pains of committed matrimony? Or did Hunt ditch his bride Julia and dive back into a world of insurmountable obstacles, cool gadgets and witty one-liners? And how, if at all, would Hunt's character arc impact the possibility of Michelle Monaghan, who played Julia, returning to the franchise?

"I haven't [talked to J.J.], but I'm interested," the actress told MTV News recently. "I'd like to see what's going on with that. Obviously, it's an amazing franchise and I had so much fun making that film. I would love to be a part of '4' if they'll have me."

Check out the video to see what she thinks is cooking between Julia and Ethan and why the thought of rejoining Cruise has her saying, "Hell yeah!"

The English-language redo, which is titled "The Tourist," had already seen Cruise replaced with "Terminator Salvation" actor Sam Worthington. Reportedly Nalluri is also off the film and producers seek a filmmaker who will work well with Jolie. Interestingly enough, the female half of Brangelina just finished shooting the action/thriller "Salt," for which she had replaced Cruise in the gender-switched lead role.

It is somewhat surprising that Jolie would go from that movie to a similar project, as both are thrillers in which she plays an international agent of some sort. For "Salt," she plays an American spy whose allegiance is put in question. In the seemingly Hitchcock-like "The Tourist" she'll play an Interpol agent gone undercover to entrap a criminal who is also her former lover. The title refers to an innocent American who is drawn into the case.

No stranger to action-heavy roles, "The Tourist" should be more "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" than "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." Thankfully. And who wouldn't rather see Jolie as a sexy globo-cop than Charlize Theron who, after "Aeon Flux" and "Hancock," has yet to show herself worthy of action roles?

Do you prefer Angelina Jolie for an action thriller like "The Tourist" over Charlize Theron? Do you prefer she do more action-heavy movies than Oscar-baiting roles?

None of that really matters for the purposes of this post though. That image below comes from the set of "Wichita," which is currently shooting in Boston. There are more for you to enjoy. Click the image below to check out our newly added "Wichita" set photos.

-- Buried in a report on the upcoming lineup for Dino De Laurentiis Co., it was revealed that an adaptation of Karen Russell's novel "St. Lucy's Home For Girls Raised By Wolves" is in the works. The story follows a group of girls raised by werewolves as they are being prepared to interact with civilized society. (Variety)

-- James Mangold's upcoming spy thriller starring Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz and Maggie Grace added one more to the cast: Marc Blucas. In the movie, a woman (Diaz) goes out on a blind date with a man (Cruise), only to learn that he's a federal agent. Shenanigans predictably ensue as the two get caught up protecting a special battery with an infinite supply of power. (The Hollywood Reporter)

-- "Murderball" co-director Dana Adam Shapiro is taking his first crack and feature fiction with "Monogamous," which will star Rashida Jones and Chris Messina. The movie is described as a "cautionary tale about sex, photography and fear of marriage" and is currently set for a 2010 release. (The Hollywood Reporter)

-- Follow the link to check out the debut trailer for "Boondock Saints II: All Saint's Day," which hits theaters on November 1. (IGN)

-- The September 9 release of Shane Acker's "9" is fast approaching, and the director sat down to chat about it with Sci Fi Wire, joined by stars Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly. Check out the video at the link below. (Sci Fi Wire)

"close talks" with Universal Pictures to play blood-sucker Lestat Du Lioncourt in a big screen return for Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles," according to a report at Bloody Disgusting. It should be noted that there's no attribution for the news, though BD has a good track record with scoops.

Downey would be the third actor to wear Lestat's fangs after Stuart Townsend, in "Queen of the Damned" (2003), and, perhaps most famously, Tom Cruise in "Interview with the Vampire" (1994). There's no word yet on how the planned return to Rice's fiction will approach the story, with or without the "Iron Man" star.

Speaking of the armored superhero, between that franchise and Downey's upcoming role in "Sherlock Holmes," he's building up quite an assortment of leading man roles. Lestat would certainly be a huge win, though he'd have Cruise's memorable "Interview" performance to top. Personally, I think Downey could do it.

The outstanding success of "Twilight" no doubt played a part in looking back to Rice's material. Vampires are huge and it was only a matter of time. Gary Oldman had better watch out-- Bram Stoker may be next. Whether or not Downey moves forward as Lestat, it looks like we're going to see more of Rice's enduring character in theaters again very soon.

Do you like the idea of more Anne Rice? How about Downey as Lestat? Where in the series do you think the new movie(s) should begin?

We have tons of Christmas movies, Halloween movies; hell, there’s even a “Groundhog’s Day” film. But what do we watch when we gather around the TV on Independence Day? To help solve the problem, here are the top 10 films we’d recommend as must-see holiday viewing.

“Rambo” series

Take your pick, folks. In a bizarre, twisted way, there are few things as patriotic as watching Sly Stallone blow up freedom-hating bad guys. Even if he were somehow eating a slice of apple pie while shooting those explosive-tipped arrows, it couldn’t be any more American.

“Born on the 4th of July”

Okay, the movie is kind of a bummer. It’s also hard to take Tom Cruise seriously as paralyzed Vietnam vet Ron Kovic now that we can all imagine him jumping out of that wheelchair and onto Oprah’s couch. Oliver Stone’s ode to the ignored, abused soldiers of a generation is more important now than ever, as we’re all reminded of why we need to respect the troops, even if we don’t respect the war they’re fighting in.

“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”

“What was I doing here? What was the meaning of this trip? Was I just roaming around in a drug frenzy of some kind? Or had I really come out here to Las Vegas to work on a story? Who are these people, these faces?” Johnny Depp asks in this trippy adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s twisted take on the perversions of Americana. “They look like caricatures of used car dealers from Dallas - and sweet Jesus, there were a hell of a lot of them at 4:30 on a Sunday morning, still humping the American dream, that vision of the big winner somehow emerging from the last minute pre-dawn chaos of a stale Vegas casino.”

“Glory”

It’s a triple Oscar-winner, the movie that made Denzel Washington a star, and quite possibly the greatest war movie ever. On Independence Day, it’s important to remember our nation’s history consists of so many more colors than red, white and blue.

“The Best Years of Our Lives”

Starring Harold Russell, a real life veteran who lost both hands in 1944, won two Oscars for his role and then never made another high-profile film, “Lives” follows three WWII veterans returning home to small town America. There’s a scene near the end in a church which is a classic “call to action” moment in film. Released shortly after World War II in 1946, “Lives” instilled national pride at a time when America needed it badly.

“In America”

Jim Sheridan’s gorgeous film about an Irish immigrant family adjusting to life in the United States might just be the best portrayal of the American Dream in a decade. It’ll make you cry, it’ll make you laugh and, best of all, it’s family-friendly.

“Saving Private Ryan”

Steven Spielberg’s powerful portrayal of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation during World War II takes us onto the battlefield as no other film ever has. Can someone explain one more time how “Shakespeare in Love” got the Oscar that year?

“Live Free or Die Hard”

It’s the worst of the four “Die Hard” movies, and it has the most awkward title since “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.” Still, John McClane (Bruce Willis) personifies the modern American cowboy, and it is set on July 4th.

“The Godfather II”

Talk about living the dream: Vito Andolini moves to America a poor man who doesn’t speak English. Re-dubbed Corleone, he goes from petty criminal to powerful mob boss in short order, commanding respect and striking fear in the hearts of his enemies. Watching “The Godfather II” on the 4th of July, or any other day for that matter… it’s an offer you can’t refuse.

“Independence Day”

If ever there was a way that aliens could make you feel patriotic, it was when Bill Pullman delivered his now-classic speech to rally the troops: “In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind… perhaps it’s fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression or persecution… but from annihilation. We are fighting for our right to live. To exist. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day the world declared in one voice: We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive! Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!”

Need some examples? Here are five Hollywood personalities whose work we adore, but who could use a bit of a makeover when it comes to their public persona. Remember guys, we’re saying this because we love you. Here’s some unsolicited advice for a few of our favorite bad boys (and girls). Just a note that those awesome pictures after the jump are the work of MTV’s talented associate producer/photoshop ninja/silent assassin Sohyung Kang. If you’d like to see them in their full-size glory, make sure to check out our “Hollywood’s Public Enemies” flipbook!

CHRISTIAN BALE

Offense: Getting angry — really angry — and consequently dropping a f***-ton of F-bombs on unwitting production officials. Really angry.

Cost of Reparation: Signing up for an anger management program or two (three?) would likely do him some good, but a word of caution to instructors: do not step in his light.

Situations to Avoid: Bright lights, water, feeding after dark and “Terminator Salvation” sets. And uncomfortable interviews.

JOAQUIN PHOENIX

Offense: Exchanging rapidly flourishing acting career for increasingly suspect rapping career.

Cost of Reparation: Just come home, Joaquin. Just come home. Hollywood loves and misses you. But, uh… could you cut your hair, first? Maybe shave the beard?

Situations to Avoid: Concerts, late night talk shows and extraordinarily uncomfortable interviews.

LINDSAY LOHAN

Offense: Driving under the influence, other assorted recklessness motivated by the pressures of celebrity.

Cost of Reparation: Maybe staying out of the party scene wouldn’t be such a bad call, LiLo. Take some time to rediscover your acting roots. Remember “Parent Trap”? “Freaky Friday”? Ah, those were the good ol’ days. You’ve got the stuff, Lindsay. We believe in you!

Situations to Avoid: Night clubs, motor vehicles, jail cells, court dates, rehabilitation centers, rinse and repeat.

MEL GIBSON

Offense: Random acts of drunken shenanigans, particularly during altercations with law enforcement officials and interviews with foreign media.

Cost of Reparation: Lay off the sauce, keep that mouth shut in public and stick to making awesome films like “Braveheart.” Also, just buckle down and do “Lethal Weapon 5” already, would’ja?! Despite Danny Glover’s constant statements to the contrary, you are not too old for this s–t!

Situations to Avoid: Two words: open bars.

TOM CRUISE

Offense: Dangerous amounts of self-assuredness that includes questionable medical expertise and an equally questionable American accent in Nazi war film “Valkyrie,” but unquestionable taste in women. (We love you, Katie.)

Cost of Reparation: Amazing self-parodying turn as Les Grossman in “Tropic Thunder” aside, Cruise could certainly stand to take himself less seriously. Really, this isn’t funny to you? C’mon!

Situations to Avoid: Couches, Oprah, South Park, anywhere within shouting distance of Brooke Shields or Matt Lauer.

Who else in Hollywood could stand to undergo a public image makeover?

This week is jam-packed with birthday celebrations — so many, in fact, that I just couldn’t include them all. Still, there are some personalities who I found impossible to ignore…

Gary Busey (June 29): The current generation of moviegoers might only know Gary Busey for bear-hugging and smooching Jennifer Garner on the 2008 Academy Awards red carpet, or perhaps for his stint on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” But there’s a plethora of Busey performances that are truly must-see fare, such as his turns as Mr. Joshua in “Lethal Weapon,” pitching icon Chet “Rocket” Steadman in “Rookie of the Year” and crazed military veteran Drake Sabitch in “Black Sheep,” my personal favorite.

Birthday Wishes: As Chris Farley died nearly 12 years ago, the chances of Busey playing Sabitch once more seems unlikely — though I’d gladly give a leg to see the character in his own spin-off movie. What can you do about this, Lorne Michaels?

Mike Tyson (June 30): Life hasn’t always been easy for Mike Tyson, who has tragically lost a child and has spent several years in prison. But if life had a face, the punch-packing boxing aficionado might have an easier time slogging through this day-to-day bout. All that considered, Tyson still has many athletic achievements to be proud of and even has some film work to his name, including cameos in “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles” and, most recently, in director Todd Philips’ summer 2009 comedy, “The Hangover.”

Birthday Wishes: Tyson’s latest accomplishment is his marriage to girlfriend Lakiha Spicer earlier this month. On top of that, he’ll hopefully have a role in “The Hangover 2” — so maybe someone can arrange singing lessons for Mr. Tyson in the meantime.

Tom Cruise (July 3): What’s left to say about Tom Cruise that hasn’t been said? Despite some recent struggles with his public image, there’s no denying it: Cruise has turned out a multitude of blockbuster performances over the last three decades. Whether it’s dramatic fare like “Jerry Maguire,” an actioner such as “The Minority Report” or even a comedic cameo in “Tropic Thunder,” there’s virtually no genre that the soon-to-be 47 year old actor hasn’t come across in his career.

Birthday Wishes: Recently, it was announced that Cruise and director J.J. Abrams would co-produce a fourth “Mission: Impossible” installment, leaving me to speculate on the film’s possibilities without Cruise in the starring role. Having some distance from my recent op-ed, I’ll now firmly state that I hope Cruise comes back as leading man Ethan Hunt — but only if I can hear him say “Toast, Toast” multiple times and at varying volumes.

Special shout out goes to Mel Brooks (June 28), who turned 83 yesterday. The “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein” writer-director has plenty of movie work in his repertoire, and I seriously doubt that the funnyman — who has taken hilarious, celebrated digs at George Lucas, Alfred Hitchcock and other famous filmmakers — will be slowing down anytime soon.

Be sure to come back next Monday for an all-new edition of Birthday Bash!

Back in August, it was announced that “Sleeper” was tagged for adaptation with Sam Raimi producing the film and Tom Cruise starring as Holden Carver, a super-powered secret agent deep undercover within a supervillain cabal and left hanging when the only person who knows he’s one of the good guys falls into a coma. In October, word hit the wire that Hollywood newcomer Brad Ingelsby would write the screenplay for the adaptation, but updates have been few and far between since that time.

Continue reading EXCLUSIVE: New Screenwriter For ‘Sleeper’ Movie, Sam Raimi & Tom Cruise Still Attached