The rebooting of the Jack Ryan franchise is taking shape.  First, we reported that Chris Pine (Star Trek) will be taking over the role that has been previously embodied by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck in four previous films.  Then we got news that Kenneth Branagh will not only direct the film, but he will also be Ryan’s nemesis playing the villain. 

Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, actress Keira Knightely (Pirates of the Caribbean) has agreed to play Mrs. Ryan beating out the likes of Evangeline Lily and Felicity Jones who auditioned for the role. 

There are still rumors swirling that Kevin Costner will appear in a role as a CIA agent responsible for Ryan’s work, but that report has yet to be confirmed. 

For all the reboots and retreads that Hollywood seems so necessary to trod out year after year, we are actually excited about seeing the Jack Ryan character back on the big screen.  The Hunt for Red October was one of the best action films of the 1990’s.  And it’s three successors, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger and The Sum of All Fears were all worthy companions. 

No release date for the new Ryan film has been set.  Star Chris Pine has the Star Trek sequel to shoot first before he can put on the CIA loafers.  But we can still expect a 2014 or 2015 release.

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