'Man From U.N.C.L.E,' Tom Cruise: Guy Ritchie Directs Popular Cold War Spy TV Series Movie Adaptation, 'Mission Impossible' Star Circling Napolean Solo Role

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was a popular Cold War spy television series from 1964 to 1968. After Matthew Vaughn, David Dobkin, and Steven Soderbergh all dropped out of directing the film adaptation, Guy Ritchie has taken the helm. Ritchie seems to be aiming high when it comes to casting the lead role of Napolean Solo. Rumors have been circulating that the Sherlock Holmes director wants legendary Hollywood action star Tom Cruise for the role. Plus it turns out the actor is interested in the role. It looks like Tom Cruise is really into portraying a spy in films. Other actors considered for the role of Solo included Michael Fassbender, Joel Kinnaman, Johnny Depp, Channing Tatum and George Clooney.

There are actually two main roles in the story: Napolean Solo and his Russian partner Illya Kuryaki. There have been no reports on the casting of this supporting role. The story of The Man From U.N.K.L.E. follows these spies as they battle the evil organization "THRUSH." during the Cold War. They are a part of the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (or U.N.K.L.E.) Ian Flemming, the mind behind James Bond, created these characters as the small-screen counterparts to his other successful spy series. Since the film has gone through so many directors over the last few years, it is hard to say what the final product will actually look like.

If Tom Cruise takes this role, it would add another potential franchise to his career. Currently, he has the Mission: Impossible films and the newly announced series of Jack Reacher movies. We all know that Cruise can play a spy. He has done it many times in many films, including the M:I films.

Is this a smart move for the 50-year-old action star? Do you think he might be getting typecast? Probably not considering he's been around for so long, but should he try to branch out to another type of franchise now that Mission: Impossible is winding down?

Tom Cruise's other upcoming roles include Oblivion, due out next month, and All You Need is Kill, scheduled for release next year.