In today’s Callbacks — your daily roundup of casting news from Deal Central — Brad Bird is linked to "Mission: Impossible IV," Liam Neeson and Cedric the Entertainer join Lee Daniels’ "Selma" and Paul W.S. Anderson signs on to direct "Buck Rogers."
• Wow! Did Hollywood actually get one right for a change?
THR’s Heat Vision blog is reporting that Brad Bird is in contention to direct "Mission: Impossible IV" for Paramount. It’s an inspired choice that I never would have thought of. I guess that’s why studio execs get paid the big bucks.
Bird has never directed a live-action feature, but he happens to be an excellent storyteller who has enjoyed phenomenal success directing animated films such as "The Iron Giant," "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille."