Howard (L), Spielberg (R), AP Photo
Ron Howard will be directing Universal Pictures’ The Parsifal Mosaic, a spy thriller based on Robert Ludlum’s novel of the same name.
The novel, which tells the story of a CIA operative who witnesses the execution of his KGB lover, is being adapted for the screen by David Self (The Road to Perdition). Producers include David Bernardi (Frost/Nixon), Brian Grazer (A Beautiful Mind), Ben Britten Smith (Superman Returns), and Jeffrey Weiner (The Bourne Ultimatum).
Another big name is eyeing a secret agent flick as well: Steven Spielberg may be taking the reins of Paramount’s Matt Helm, which is based on the Donald Hamilton book series about a government agent bent on taking down the enemy.
This isn’t the first time Hamilton’s series has hit the big screen: Dean Martin starred in a four-film adapatation back in the 1960s; however, the new script, written by Paul Attanasio (Donnie Brasco), will have more of a Bourne Identity feel than the original film series and may turn into a franchise for Paramount.
Representatives for Spielberg say that he is set to produce Matt Helm, but is still in talks for the role of director.
Comments
I saw the original Matt Helm with Dean Martin in the movie theater!! He played it very tongue-in-cheek. It was fun!
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