Hollywood star Tom Cruise has reportedly fled Italy over coronavirus fears - as he abandoned the Mission Impossible film set.
The 57-year-old action superstar was allegedly forced to evacuate filming for Mission: Impossible 7 due to Venice being deemed a high-risk area by authorities.
A source told The Sun: "There have been meetings with officials but they’re clear that, as far as they are concerned, there is a serious risk in the area, especially where large numbers are gathered — and this is a huge set."
Despite the huge expense to the evacuation, it's claimed there was a decision to withdraw the film from Venice with the biggest names being shipped out as quickly as possible.
The source added: "Many of the team are doing the same. They don’t want to be around anymore. It’s a frightening time."
Luca Zaia, President of the Veneto Region, has cancelled all cultural, sports, public events, ordered the closure of all schools and museums.
The much-loved Venice carnival has also been cancelled.
Mission: Impossible 7 was set to continue on from the much-celebrated sixth instalment, entitled Fallout, with director Christopher McQuarrie helming the next episode in the action franchise.
In addition to Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt, he will also be joined by Henry Czerny reprising his role as Eugene Kittridge from the first film.
Simon Pegg will also be back as Ethan's sidekick Benji Dunn, with Rebecca Ferguson returning as former MI6 agent and femme fatale Ilsa Faust.
The Crown actress Vanessa Kirby will also be back as her character The White Widow from Fallout, a black market arms dealer.
New additions to the cast include Nicholas Hoult, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Shea Whigham.
It is unknown if the suspension of filming will impact the release date.
Mirror Online have approached Tom Cruise's representatives for comment.
Mission: Impossible 7 is due to be released in cinemas on July 23, 2021.
