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.
