Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit

JP Liz V1

Source

The reboot of the Jack Ryan franchise has lingered in development for years now. Chris Pine has been attached since 2009 and watched director Jack Bender come and go as the months passed. Though there is still no title, the project is finally making significant forward progress now that Kenneth Branagh signed on to direct and play the villain. With the hero and the antagonist set, the next task for Branagh and Paramount is to decide on the female lead to play Jack’s wife Cathy. Deadline hears Keira Knightley is the frontrunner for the role, but Felicity Jones and Evangeline Lilly are also in the mix. Total Recall co-stars Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel also met for the role, but are reportedly no longer in the running. Whoever lands the role would sign a deal with options for three movies. Hit the jump for more on the story.

At this stage of the character’s life, Jack Ryan is an ex-Marine who now works as a financial analyst in Moscow. Here’s the logline we have:

“He discovers a plot by his employer to finance a terrorist attack designed to collapse the U.S. economy, and must race against time to save America and his wife.”

As the story goes, part of the holdup in development can be attributed to three different visions for the project. Pine wants a character-driven spy movie, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura wants an action movie, and Paramount wants a thriller. The most recent draft of the script by David Koepp (Spider-Man) supposedly accomplishes all three.

Kenneth Branagh is a good choice as director but I hope Pine dont play Ryan as Kirk, Felicity Jones would be a good choice as Mrs Ryan

omahaid

Is it based on one of the books? The article doesn't make it clear.

OS119

omahaid wrote: »

Is it based on one of the books? The article doesn't make it clear.

it certainly doesn't sound like any of the books, and it wouldn't fit with the current timeline - according to Cardinal of the Kremlin that story is Ryan's first trip to Moscow, and by the end he's so deep into CIA that there's no chance he'd then leave to work for a private company in Moscow - and there's just no gaps in the timeline.

sadly Clancy seems more interested in the cash than the story these days, all his recent 'collaborations' have been utterly woeful, not just 'not good', but unreadable, so i've no doubt that this will go ahead regardless of the naffness and the damage that it would do to his 'opus'.

B.A._Baracus

and watched director Jack Bender come and go as the months passed

Ha. Bender :pac:

stevenmu

They really need to film Debt of Honour/Executive Orders/The Bear and the Dragon books as a trilogy.

Gamb!t

Kevin Costner Set For Jack Ryan
Plus Without Remorse...

It looks like Paramount is hoping to turn their Tom Clancy properties into something of an Avengers-style shared universe, with films planned around both Jack Ryan (the Chris Pine-starring film currently still called, er, Jack Ryan) and fellow CIA operative John Kelly, who will feature in Without Remorse. And the Nick Fury of this particular plan, who will crop up in both those movies and possibly beyond? William Harper, played by Kevin Costner.
The studio is now making a deal with Costner to play American patriot and idealist Harper, who recruits both Ryan and Kelly in their respective movies and mentors them. According to Deadline, he may also then headline his own movie, but that particular possibility is still just vapourware for now.
As of right now, Kenneth Branagh is both directing Jack Ryan and playing the villain, with Keira Knightley rumoured to be Pine’s love interest.
Over on Without Remorse, Christopher McQuarrie is re-writing the film with an eye to directing and Tom Hardy is being courted to take on the role of Kelly, previously played by Willem Dafoe and Liev Schreiber. It would seem like a good fit for the actor, who has the necessary physical presence for Kelly (and then some) but also the wit. And hey! If it all works out, we could end up seeing a truly exciting This Means War reunion! All right, okay, stop throwing things at the screen. The idea of Pine and Hardy in a serious spy combo certainly does have an appeal.
It's an ambitious plan, and one that could all fall apart. But we like a lot of the elements in place already.
Costner, who recently found small screen success with Hatfields & McCoys, will next be seen in a little movie called Man Of Steel, due to land (from Krypton) here on June 14 next year.

http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=34942

Mickeroo

did you read that? Chris Pine is playing Jack Ryan and Costner is playing a mentor type character called William Harper.

stevenmu

Well at least they're not having Costner replace James Earl Jones as Admiral Greer. Hardy could make a very good Kelly, and Without Remorse could make an excellent film if it's done right, but I'd worry that they'll make it into another 12a rated action flick instead of going for the dark anger filled r-rated film it should be.

Dermighty

Kevin Costner is a really good actor. Everything I've seen him in from the last ten years has been outstanding on his part.

Check out Hatfields McCoys!

Gamb!t

Mickeroo wrote: »

did you read that? Chris Pine is playing Jack Ryan and Costner is playing a mentor type character called William Harper.

Not properly it seems

Turtyturd

This shared universe stuff is going to get old quick.

JP Liz V1

Hardy and Pine's bromance was the best part of This Means War

norrie rugger

Dermighty wrote: »

Kevin Costner is a really good actor. Everything I've seen him in from the last ten years has been outstanding on his part.

Check out Hatfields McCoys!

I really hope that Costner's star is starting to rise again. I have always enjoyed watching him perform.

Mickeroo

norrie rugger wrote: »

I really hope that Costner's star is starting to rise again. I have always enjoyed watching him perform.

Looking likely what with him being in the upcoming Man of Steel too. I hope so too, maybe he'll make a few more westerns, he's generally quite good at those.

JP Liz V1

First image of Pine as Ryan

don ramo

its a bit ridiculous having this out so early, i dont think people are that interested in jack ryan, im hope the film will be good and all, but its not out for 15 months,

bnt

They're filming in Liverpool at the moment, according to On Location Vacations:



Looks a bit Kirk-esque to me ... :pac:

JP Liz V1

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2204886/Chris-Pine-rescues-damsel-distress-Keira-Knightley-dramatic-scene-new-Jack-Ryan-film.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

^ Keira pictured filming with Chris

bnt

The news of this movie reminded me of the books, and over the last few months I've re-read all the Jack Ryan books up to and including Executive Orders. The problem with Jack as a character is that he's inherently boring, by design. I thought Alec Baldwin did a great job portraying that side of his personality in The Hunt for Red October. This is someone who tried to be an "action man" when he was younger, but was discharged from the Marines after his back was broken in a helicopter crash. Since then he's suffered chronic back problems, and was scared of flying, though he was forced to get over that.

I think what I'm getting at is that Ryan is an extremely reluctant hero, and remains one throughout his life - he never even starts to enjoy it, never goes in search of excitement. He thinks too much, regardless of what is happening. In what I've seen of the upcoming movie, Chris Pine seems to be enjoying it too much. :cool:

I found this more recent video report from the London set - which is playing the part of a New York sewer. The "baddie", played by director Kenneth Branagh, is a Russian oligarch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taWiI8I7VaI

bnt

There are some new posters and stills up on Yahoo Movies today.

"Based on characters created by Tom Clancy" ... you've probably heard, by now, that Mr. Clancy died on Tuesday, so he won't get to see the finished film. I've read most of his books, and felt that only The Hunt for Red October and Clear and Present Danger really worked as film adaptations. For this new film, the writers kept the character, and not much else, it seems. Still, he wasn't too fussily precious about his work, getting involved in video games many years ago and allowing spin-off books by other authors. RIP.

Sarxos

I've done an opinion piece on why, based on the new poster, I believe that Paramount don't understand who Jack Ryan is meant to be. If anyone is interested...

Skerries

are they rebooting Jack Ryan to be the new Bourne/Bond?

Sarxos

That's essentially my fear. He's not that character.

stevenmu

Sarxos wrote: »

I've done an opinion piece on why, based on the new poster, I believe that Paramount don't understand who Jack Ryan is meant to be. If anyone is interested...

Yeah, I agree with everything you say there.

I'm hoping that the this is one of those cases where the poster is misleading, and they are trying to make it look more "action packed" than it really is. But Hollywood does have a track record of taking and existing brands and turning them into generic action films.

Rubber_Soul

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZtVfmTZftk

FunLover18

Looks good, but they I think the main focus will be how they've turned Jack into an action hero rather than keeping analyst roots.

This is the studio's fault, not the fans. This is not an adaptation of a book so I don't see why this had to be a Jack Ryan film at all.

norrie rugger

FunLover18 wrote: »

Looks good, but they I think the main focus will be how they've turned Jack into an action hero rather than keeping analyst roots.

This is the studio's fault, not the fans. This is not an adaptation of a book so I don't see why this had to be a Jack Ryan film at all.

Franchise/Brand/Name recognition

FunLover18

norrie rugger wrote: »

Franchise/Brand/Name recognition

That's what the studios think "They won't go see it unless they've seen it before." If this wasn't a Jack Ryan film there wouldn't be as much hub-bub about it but going by that trailer, I'd defo go see it.

pixelburp

Wow, Generic Bourne Knock-Off looks great, I can't wait to watch Matt Dam... sorry, Chris Pine kick ass while looking conflicted & emotionally hurt at the same time.

I haven't read the Clancy books and only partially recall the previous incarnations (Baldwin's version in Red October is the clearest memory; such a quality film), so I wouldn't be as invested as proper fans of the character, but it's truly sad to see another clear example of this worrying trend to turn a conventionally non-action character & franchises into ones predominantly focused on violence. I'm sure if I was a cleverer man I could draw some deep sociological connections about how tentpole figures of fiction are being converted to action-men, but I just think it shows just how bereft of confidence Hollywood has become.

The Black Oil

Another 'every stunt and chase is in these two minutes', trailer.

I liked the Harrison Ford ones, well, less so the one with the IRA, I think. You tended to invest in the character and Ford had the right energy to carry it, really. Benefits from the pre-digital age and not all this facial recognition, tracking people in seconds lark that's a bit tedious now.

I see The Hunt for Red October is on Netflix, so I'll check it out.

Sad Professor

Jack Ryan as a young guy - what's the point?

I can't believe they cast Costner as the mentor figure. He's only in his 50s, he should be the lead.

JP Liz V1

I only see Chris Pine as Kirk since Star Trek :P

expectationlost

this any good, doesn't seem so

discussion of the trailer

it seems that keira knightly his wife is spying on jack, this is what turns me off the movie, seems so tired, is jack ryan special is he the chosen one?

The Black Oil

Has anyone seen this, then?

grimm2005

Saw it this morning. Was decent enough but completely generic fare. Wouldn't bother unless you have an unlimited card or have seen everything else considering there's a lot more worth going to see at the moment. I imagine it'll be getting a lot of negative reviews around these parts though.

Looper007

It's been giving a quick release without any film critics getting to see it which is a worrying sign.

It's a reboot and I like Chris Pine so a younger Jack Ryan doesn't bother me as long as we get follow up films with Pine in them. Kevin Costner in the James Earl Jones role is perfect. Kenneth Barragh as the villain looks good. It's obvious they are trying to go for a Bourne version of Ryan which is good. Fingers cross it's as great as those films.

Got the Jack Ryan box set from HMV this week for 10 euro, not including the Ben Affleck one. Hunt for the Red October is still the best of the three with Alec Baldwin perfect as Ryan, although I still love Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger with Ford been the perfect hero. I give the nod to Danger as it has a great performance from Dafoe in it.

Raoul

grimm2005 wrote: »

Saw it this morning. Was decent enough but completely generic fare. Wouldn't bother unless you have an unlimited card or have seen everything else considering there's a lot more worth going to see at the moment. I imagine it'll be getting a lot of negative reviews around these parts though.

Saw it last week. It is grand. 5/10

conorhal

Sad Professor wrote: »

Jack Ryan as a young guy - what's the point?

I can't believe they cast Costner as the mentor figure. He's only in his 50s, he should be the lead.

Well ever since Liam Neeson relinquished his role as omnipresent 'doomed mentor' -TM, and swanned off reinvent himself as an 'action-pensioner' sombody has to fill those roles! I thought Costner did a fair job of it in Man of Steel.

The real twist is that Costner's reprising his roll of Lt. Farrell from 'No Way Out' in the movie.

Mickeroo

Alec Baldwin was the same age as Pine when he played Ryan.

Rubber_Soul

Just out of this and the overwhelming feeling is meh. Decent idea, (mostly) decent cast, awful script.

expectationlost

saw it thought it was decent, you always wuestion how these guys end beingthe only one in the whole world who can tackle the baddie, nothing else that i'd really go watch with me bro and friend, so i would say go see it on that basis

kryogen

Not a huge Pine fan, nor do I like the look of where they are going with the character, but I will watch this for Costner alone, Brannagh is a bonus

kryogen

Im going to have to watch the sum of all fears again to see if I liked the last re boot actually

Shadow Walker

Went to this film with the Mrs. We both enjoy the Tom Clancy books but wouldn't be as devoted as some on here seem to be. We both thought the film was good and enjoyable. Maybe a little generic but we both agreed that we are looking forward to the next instalment

On a personal note I thought Brannagh was very good as the dour faced villain.

norrie rugger

They are not rebooting the franchise. They are taking a generic action film and putting Ryan's name to it.

Jack Ryan is an analyst, using his intelligence and insight that allows events to unfold. FFS Costner is the age that Ryan should be.

This is Pine being used to dumb down a franchise again

johnny_ultimate

norrie rugger wrote: »

Jack Ryan is an analyst, using his intelligence and insight that allows events to unfold.

That's exactly what happens in the film. More of that than standard action, actually.

It's harmless entertainment, moves along amiably and makes a valiant effort at being a more contemporary thriller where economic collapse is the threat. The first half of the film does a good job with Ryan's character development. It's generally bland and unambitious, but it's watchable.

Except for Kiera Knightley, who is woeful here. Poorly written, horribly performed character that just point blank doesn't work. There's something weird and unnatural about that whole aspect of the film, and Knightley just seems to play the role wrong.

norrie rugger

norrie rugger wrote: »

They are not rebooting the franchise. They are taking a generic action film and putting Ryan's name to it.

Jack Ryan is an analyst, using his intelligence and insight that allows events to unfold. FFS Costner is the age that Ryan should be.

This is Pine being used to dumb down a franchise again

You do realise that Pine is older than Alec Baldwin was when he played Ryan. I'm looking forward to seeing the film and the last thing that's going to colour my enjoyment of it is the age of the actor playing the lead. Pine is a rather good actor and from e wry thing I've read the film is more interested in Ryan's brain than it is his brawn.

FunLover18

Did Clancy write in the books that Ryan was born in his fifties?

norrie rugger

Deleted User wrote: »

You do realise that Pine is older than Alec Baldwin was when he played Ryan. I'm looking forward to seeing the film and the last thing that's going to colour my enjoyment of it is the age of the actor playing the lead. Pine is a rather good actor and from e wry thing I've read the film is more interested in Ryan's brain than it is his brawn.

I am aware of that particular hole in my annoyance but (and it is a big BUT) Baldwin managed to pull that off. He had a much more mature screen presence about him than Pine does. Pine really does have that eternally young aspect to him.

I will watch this but everything that I am hearing is that it just isn't a story that is true to the character in the books and films (not that they were masterpieces or anything) but more a Bounre-ification of the Ryan character.
I guess that I was just, personally, hoping for something closer to the, earlier, source material

expectationlost

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

That's exactly what happens in the film. More of that than standard action, actually.

It's harmless entertainment, moves along amiably and makes a valiant effort at being a more contemporary thriller where economic collapse is the threat. The first half of the film does a good job with Ryan's character development. It's generally bland and unambitious, but it's watchable.

Except for Kiera Knightley, who is woeful here. Poorly written, horribly performed character that just point blank doesn't work. There's something weird and unnatural about that whole aspect of the film, and Knightley just seems to play the role wrong.

well she was little passive aggressive

but i don't quite buy brannagh character getting so distracted by her when he had suspicion that ryan was cia

expectationlost

does jack ryan get into fights in any of the previous jack ryan films