A Hollywood horde led by Tom Cruise sacked Rome on April 24, 2006, quickly out-flanking newly-elected Prime Minister Romano Prodi. The movie mob rode into Piazza Santi Apostoli in Mercedes limos to promote "Mission: Impossible III," drawing crowds of fans and press just as the politician was about to make a speech nearby. Click 'next' for more on Cruise and co-stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laurence Fishburne and more.
Tom Cruise leaves his hotel for a press conference at palazzo Colonna in Rome, April 24, 2006. The world premiere of "Mission: Impossible III," directed by J.J. Abrams, was to be held later in Rome, where much of the action was filmed. In the film, Cruise once more strives to save humanity from evil-doers in his role as U.S. secret agent Ethan Hunt.
Cruise arrives at palazzo Colonna for the press conference in advance of the world premiere of "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. The movie premieres in the U.S. on May 5, kicking off four months of heavy action at the box office. The 2006 summer season also includes "Poseidon," "The Da Vinci Code," "Cars" and "X-Men: The Last Stand."
Cruise waves at the crowd at he arrives for the press conference at palazzo Colonna just before the world premier of "Mission Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. He said he would be in Rome for just eight hours, long enough to walk the red carpet for the premiere before flying back to the U.S. to be with fianc
In case anybody in the entire world has not heard that he's a new dad, Tom Cruise holds up a teddy bear, a gift for his baby daughter Suri, in a promotional appearance for his latest movie, "Mission Impossible III," in Rome April 24, 2006. The movie is premiering in Rome ahead of its world release on May 5 because many of the scenes were shot in the Eternal City.
Tom Cruise poses with fans in Rome hours before the world premiere of "Mission: Impossible III" April 24, 2006. The movie sequel is billed as an adrenaline-packed two hours of death-defying stunts, including scenes in which Cruise leaps from a Shanghai skyscraper and breaks into Vatican City.
Oh, and the guy who just won the best actor Academy Award was there, too. Philip Seymour Hoffman poses in front of Rome's Colosseum during the photo call for "Mission: Impossible III" April 24, 2006. The star of "Capote" plays the movie's arch-villain, a black-market arms dealer.
Actress Maggie Q poses during a photo call for "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. The Hawaii-born actress, the daughter of a Vietnamese mother and a Polish-Irish-American father who served in the Vietnam war, has appeared in a number of international and Hong Kong movie productions.
Actress Maggie Q poses during a photo call for "Mission Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006.
Actress Keri Russell poses at a photo call for "Mission Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. Russell's big break came with her starring role in the WB network series "Felicity," which won her a Golden Globe in 1999.
Actress Keri Russell poses at a photo call for "Mission Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006.
Actress Michelle Monaghan poses during the photo call for "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. Monahan was seen in 2005 in the movies "North Country" and "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," and had a recurring role in the television series "Boston Public."
Actress Michelle Monaghan poses next to a scooter during the photo call for "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006.
Actress Michelle Monaghan poses during the photo call for "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. We're getting the idea that scooters are used in the action in this movie.
Laurence Fishburne poses in front of the Colosseum during a photo call for "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. The busy actor/director/producer also appears this year in "Akeelah and the Bee" and "The Death and Life of Bobby Z."
Actor Laurence Fishburne listens during the press conference to promote the Paramount Pictures release of "Mission: Impossible III" on April 24, 2006 in Rome. Fishburne has received many acting nominations and awards, but surely he is most proud of his MTV Award for "best fight scene" for "Matrix II."
Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers poses during the photo call for "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. The Dublin-born Rhys Meyers won acclaim in the U.S. in the title role of the 2005 television movie "Elvis." He also appeared recently in the Woody Allen film, "Match Point."
Actor Tom Cruise and co-star Michelle Monaghan get gushy during an appearance at a press conference to promote the movie "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006. The film makes its U.S. premiere on May 5.
Fans line up with posters and cameras at the ready to see Tom Cruise arrive for his appearance to promote "Mission: Impossible III" in Rome, April 24, 2006.
Members of the cast of "Mission: Impossible III" line up for a group shot to promote the movie's premiere in Rome, April 24, 2006.