After auditioning what is probably some of the most beautiful actresses in both television and film, director Kenneth Branagh has been looking for his leading lady in the reboot of the Jack Ryan series of films. Set to hit after an extended time gestating in development, the next action thriller is looking to kick off a whole new round for the series that has seen multiple incarnations in cinema history. Now it seems the female lead may have finally been found in the form of a Pirates of the Caribbean beauty.
THR reports that Keira Knightley is in negotiations to join Jack Ryan as the wife of the titular character. Apparently, Paramount went to Knightley first after Branagh auditioned actresses for two weeks including Lost's Evangeline Lilly and Like Crazy's Felicity Jones before going back to Knightley. If she was the studio's first choice and apparently the director's as well, it must be for good reason.
Knightley hasn't really been in a blockbuster film since the third Pirates film (the actress did not appear in the fourth installment). If official, this could be the big blockbuster to get her back in mainstream Hollywood. Despite being in the same circles of Brit period dramas, this is the first time Knightley and Branagh will be working together. The director will also have a supporting role in the film.
The film will focus on ex-Marine and Moscow based financial analyst Jack Ryan who uncovers a plot by his employer to finance terrorist attacks against the United States and it's economy. It's up to Ryan to save his country and his wife (Knightley) before its too late. Chris Pine will play the lead role, and after his turn in in action comedies such as This Means War where he played a CIA agent opposite Tom Hardy, he should have no problem with the action packed regime the film is sure to have.
This film is a prequel to Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan books which have been turned into numerous films starring some Hollywood heavy hitters such as Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck. Paramount is hoping the film will be the first of multiple in an all-new action franchise for the studio.
The screenplay was written by Adam Cozad and Anthony Peckham (Sherlock Holmes), with the final draft penned by David Koepp whose written some amazing screenplays over the years including Jurassic Park, Mission Impossible and Secret Window. Like all of Tom Clancy's novels turned into films, fans can expect an action packed sexy thriller that will leave you breathless.
Filming is set to begin next month with a hopeful release for late next year.
