Josh Holloway For “Mission: Impossible IV”

A new “Mission” is underway for Josh Holloway. The dashing star, who played the well-chiseled Sawyer on ABC’s defunct disaster-themed series Lost for six seasons, just joined the cast of Mission: Impossible IV.

Josh has been cast to appear alongside Tom Cruise and actress Paula Patton as a member of the Impossible Task Force, Variety reported Tuesday. The project marks the first big budget feature film for Holloway, whose film credits include indie features like Whisper and Stay Cool.

Also joining the cast are Vladimir Mashkov and Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist. The European star, who played the protagonist in the original film version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, will step into the role of villain for the super secret spy project.

Production on the film is expected to begin in Dubai in three weeks. The city will be one of the many international locations where Mission IV will be shot. J.J. Abrams is once again on board as producer and Brad Bird will be directing.

Paramount Pictures has set a projected release date of Dec. 2011.