Pitt in sights for Mission Impossible

Brad Pitt

Paramount Pictures, which has fired Tom Cruise, is reportedly gunning to have Brad Pitt, replace him in the next instalment of Mission Impossible.

But Pitt apparently would not play Cruise's Ethan Hunt character.

"They're set on Brad taking over as a gutsy new head operative who puts together his own unique team of specialists," an anonymous insider told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper.

Ethan Hunt would be retired off to some sunny isle with his new wife, according to reports in the Daily Mail and Evening Standard.

Paramount is offering Pitt US$39 million ($59.88 million) for the flick, which would make Angelina Jolie's beau the highest paid actor in history.