As the release of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol inches ever closer, another publicity picture has made its way onto the internet courtesy of the film’s official Facebook page.

This latest image shows franchise star and all-round action hero Tom Cruise returning to the role of Ethan Hunt, along with Simon Pegg who reprises his character of Benji Dunn from Mission: Impossible III.

Also seen are new cast members Paula Pattan as Jane Carter and Jeremy Renner as Brandt, who looks rather like he’s been put on the naughty step by an angry Hunt here.

Ghost Protocol is the first live-action film to be directed by famed Pixar stalwart Brad Bird, and hits UK cinemas on December 26.

(via Facebook)