Two-Face Sees ‘Clear and Present Danger?’
News about Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan film franchise has unfolded faster than one of the author’s fictional terrorist plots. First came word that Sam Raimi was dropping out of the planned Ryan relaunch, then a report that the film was still a go ahead despite the director’s departure. Now, Moviehole reports that The Dark Knight star Aaron Eckhart is being tapped to take over the spy franchise.
"Harrison Ford apparently won’t be getting another look in as Jack Ryan," says the site. "We’re told since this is a complete reboot of the series the studio wants someone new to play the literary hero.
"Rumored to be among the names on that wish list is Aaron Eckhart."
Moviehole states that while no offers have been made, Eckhart is "a name that keeps popping up in relation to the part of Ryan, so someone over [at Paramount] obviously likes him."
Things have been good for Aaron Eckart lately. His role as ill-fated District Attorney Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight launched the actor to world renown status. Before that, his performance as tobacco proponent Nick Naylor in Thank You For Smoking gained critical acclaim across the board, as has his work in Bill as a reluctant mentor to a rebellious teen.
Eckhart is not the only name attached to Jack Ryan. In addition to Harrison Ford, who previously played the role but is no longer considered in the running, there’s the oft mentioned Ryan Gosling. Gosling was attached to play Ryan around the same time that Raimi was on board, but no official movement occurred in either direction. Funnily enough, Gosling’s name is listed on the Jack Ryan Wikipedia page.
"It was reported on January 21, 2008, by the Empire official website and Moviehole, that a new reboot of the Jack Ryan franchise will take place in the near future, featuring Ryan Gosling in the title role," reports Wikipedia.
Just goes to show that the only news outlet you can rely on is ComicMix. Boo-yah!
I would much rather they focus on John Clark (aka John Terrence Kelly). Eckart would make a great Clark in a 'Without Remorse' movie.
Personally, i'd rather bag the Ryan series entirely, and make a good film of Red Storm Rising.
I wonder if they plan to redo the previous Jack Ryan movies or adapt different novels.
What happened to Ben Affleck? He's not a great actor, but he was pretty good in Sum of All Fears.