Torpedo blasts, saboteurs, double-crosses and double-agent civilian scientists caught in the cross-fire are part of the ensuing action.

The movie starred Rock Hudson, Ernest Borgnine, Patrick McGoohan and Jim Brown and proved to be a major hit at the time.

McQuarrie is well-steeped in the world of shady characters having won an Oscar for penning The Usual Suspects and written thrillers like the Tom Cruise-starring Valkyrie and Jack Reacher.

The deal may impact the development of Paramount's Mission: Impossible 5, which McQuarrie is rumored to be the favorite to direct. Cruise is back to star in the action tentpole but there is no clear timetable for either movie project.

McQuarrie is repped by CAA, Key Creatives and Myman Greenspan.

Email: Borys.Kit@thr.com

Twitter: @borys_kit