March 19th, 2008 -- Written by Rodney
It looks like Raimi is about to score another franchise, thanks to the help of Jack Ryan. The news is delivered to us via the professionals at Variety:
Paramount Pictures is in negotiations with Sam Raimi to spearhead a franchise revival of Jack Ryan, the Tom Clancy-created CIA analyst character who drove four hit movies for the studio. While Clancy is completing another Ryan novel, the studio hasn’t read it and so hasn’t decided if it will use the new book or come up with an original story. Paramount controls rights to the Ryan character, and gets first look at the new novel.
Raimi was drawn to the project because he loves the character. The studio was attracted by Raimi’s skill in navigating a franchise, following a trio of “Spider-Man” blockbusters. Raimi is by no means out of the running to make more “Spider-Man” films, but he would have to direct the first film after “Drag Me to Hell” for the studio to make its 2010 release date.
I am certainly not opposed to Sam doing Jack Ryan films. In fact, I would be very interested to see his take on the CIA globe trotter. This would certainly be a more serious endeavor for Raimi, and my hope is that we we still be able to see Raimisms in the shooting style of the films.
It looks like they are trying to rush this project into the can ASAP. If Raimi does this series, some juggling will be involved as he flip flops between Spiderman and Jack Ryan sequels. He will get all the sleep he needs when he’s dead.
Once Harrison Ford left the character, I have lost all interest in the Jack Ryan. I am not a huge fan of the films myself, with the exception of The Hunt For Red October. The source article goes on to suggest that the new films will focus on a younger Jack Ryan, just stating out in his career. If they are going for a younger Ryan, who would you guys like to see play the role? I would say Christian Bale, but his schedule looks to be filled up.
Raimi has yet to sign on the dotted line, but this looks to be a shoe-in and we will be sure to keep you abreast of the progress.
Posted in
They alreadyt ried to do a younger Jack Ryan with ‘The Sum of All Fears’, even though the novel took place late in the character’s career. As a fan of the books, I was immediately removed from the story, not to mention the fact that Ben Affleck couldn’t handle the role. The rest of the film seemed really well cast, though. Liev Schreiber was a pretty good fit for a younger John Clark.
Anyway, Bale would be awesome if it were possible, but more importantly to me, is that Ben Affleck not play Jack Ryan again.
I would like it more if one of the books were adapted -Red Rabbit comes quickly to mind. I also would not want to call it ‘reboot’ which is the equal to saying ‘we, the studio, are that damn lazy’. (Well, actually, I take that back, it’s more like work with Tom Clancy and Clancy will still bitch)
While Raimi might be seen in some areas as ‘Spider-Man’ director or ‘Evil Dead’ guy, I for one really enjoyed ‘For Love Of The Game’ and ‘A Simple Plan’.
As to who plays Ryan, I don’t want Bale. Not based on talent, far from it. It’s just that…he’s like…everywhere. While I didn’t mind Affleck (he gets a lot of shit someimes for nothing) in Sum Of All Fears, the best Ryan thus far was neither Affleck nor Ford. I always liked Alec Baldwin in Hunt For Red October.
Give me someone unexpected. Josh Brolin, maybe.
Brolin is a good call Seeler!
I know they’re going for the younger ryan for box office, but I’d love to either see baldwin or ford back in. Some of my favorite books in that series are when ryan becomes president.
Though 9/11, probably killed the end of Debt of Honor, it’s still something I’d like to see made.
Viggo Mortenson or Michael Biehn for Clark
Eric Bana for Jack Ryan
If it’s a younger Ryan, then I assume these films will pre-date all the novels so far?
A Rainbow Six movie would be nice, too.