Simon Pegg has signed on to join Tom Cruise in "Mission: Impossible 3." He will play an ally of Special Agent Ethan Hunt (Cruise).

Directed by J.J. Abrams, "M:I-3" boasts an ensemble cast that also includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Laurence Fishburne, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell and Maggie Q.

Pegg, best known for toplining and co-writing the indie breakout "Shaun of the Dead," is a veteran of British TV. His film credits also include "The Reckoning" and a cameo in "Land of the Dead."

Said Abrams: "I've been dying to work with Simon since I saw 'Shaun of the Dead.' His comedic skill is remarkable; he's able to be hysterically funny while always seeming 100% real, even when he's killing zombies with vinyl records."

The film is produced by Cruise and Paula Wagner through their C/W Prods. banner and executive produced by Stratton Leopold.

Pegg is repped by CAA.