While most people I know aren’t fans of the Mission: Impossible franchise, I’ve loved all 3 films, Crazy McScientologist in the lead role or not.

And as JJ Abrams and Tom Cruise are working on putting together the 4th film in the spy franchise, they’re looking to, once again, put a unique director behind the camera.

Having set the bar pretty high with Brian DiPalma, John Woo and Abrams as the directors for the first 3 films respectively, Cruise and Co are aiming to find someone to bring a fresh feel to to the films.  The short list? Zombieland’s Ruben Fleischer, my boy Edgar Wright and…What the FUCK?! BRAD BIRD?!

That’s right. The man behind the Iron Giant, The Incredibles and Ratatouille is currently in the running to helm M:I 4.

Bird has yet to direct a live action film, although he’s been working on 1906 for years now, but as anyone who has seen his animated work can tell you, Bird has a knack for directing amazing action set pieces.

Mission: Impossible IV is currently set for a May 27, 2011 release, so whoever they pick, they better pick soon…time is TICKING!

Source: The Hollywood Reporter | Heat Vision | Comics | Movie News:‘Incredibles’ helmer on ‘Mission: Impossible IV’ list exclusive.