Keri Russell and her famous long, curly hair are probably best known for playing a coed on the WB drama, "Felicity."

Now, refreshed and raring to go, Russell will be on the big screen opposite Tom Cruise in "Mission: Impossible III" next month.

In a phone interview with The State News and other media, Russell commented on learning how to assemble a machine gun blindfolded in 13 seconds and jumping off buildings with Cruise.

The State News: Can you describe your character in "Mission: Impossible III" and what the training was like?

Keri Russell: I play agent Lindsey Ferris, part of the "Mission: Impossible" force. I'm an agent in training, and Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is training all of the new agents. I get sent out on a mission, and the story comes into place of whether or not Tom is going to help me get out of that situation. As far as training — jumping off buildings, machine gun assembly — it was incredibly fun; that's why you want to make this movie.

SN: What was the hardest stunt?

KR: The training segments were the hardest. Having to assemble a machine gun in 30 seconds — blindfolded, by the way — and I did it in 13. And stick fighting. You have these two bamboo sticks, and if you make the wrong move, someone's knuckle or nose is broken.

SN: Have there been changes or surprises in the direction of your career?

KR: I think the whole thing is a surprise. That's the crazy thing about this profession. One day you're growing up in Colorado, and the next time you're in Europe or jumping off a building with Tom Cruise. That's what keeps it interesting.

SN: What's your perspective on the media hounding Tom Cruise?

KR: It didn't affect me at all because I'm not dating him or anyone in his family. But you know, I don't know what to say. His personal life is his personal life, and he was so great to me — we were like brother and sister on set. I can only speak of him from what I know, and he was really great.

SN: When "Felicity" ended, J.J. Abrams said you turned him down to work on "Alias." Why?

KR: There's a little difference between "Mission: Impossible" and "Alias" — no offense! At that time, when I finished "Felicity," I didn't want to do anything. I was overworked, and I needed a break to be a kid. "Mission: Impossible" came at a time when I already had that break. I was ready to work again.

"Mission: Impossible III" opens in theaters nationwide May 5.