Henry Cavill to star opposite Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible 6 after being offered role on Instagram

Henry Cavill is set to star in the forthcoming Mission: Impossible 6 after being offered the role on Instagram

The Superman star will appear in the sixth instalment of the successful franchise opposite Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson and Jeremy Renner.

Director Christopher McQuarrie, who also wrote the script for the new film, approached the British actor on the social media site about the part.

McQuarrie shared a photograph of himself standing on the rocks over a canyon with the caption: "Say, @henrycavill. Had a thought. Curious if you're interested in a role in the 6th installment of Mission: Impossible. No pressure."

Cavill replied "How can I say no to a man with such perfect hair", to which the director wrote: "Excellent. Just a few caveats: must enjoy extreme heights, high speeds, motor vehicles of all varieties (especially aircraft), practical stunts, firearms, and sporadic exposition. All good?"

The back and forth continued in the comments on the post, with Cavill saying: "Only if I get to fly for real."

The director replied: "I do believe I specified practical stunts. You in?"

Cavill sealed the deal when he said: "Oh ok.....I'm in!"

The director added: “Outstanding. Welcome aboard. Your social media account will self destruct in 5 seconds."

M:I 6 is due for release in the summer of 2018.