According to reports, Gary Ross will replace Steven Spielberg as director of Paramount's upcoming "Bourne"-like reimagining of "Matt Helm", based on the secret agent character previously portrayed as a wise-cracking 'James Bond' ladykiller by actor/singer Dean Martin in four films during the 1960's and as a 'no-nonsense' tough guy played by actor Tony Franciosa in a 1960's TV series.
"Matt Helm" will be produced by Alex "Transformers" Kurtzman and Robert "Star Trek" Orci from a screenplay by Paul Attanasio, set for a summer 2010 start.
Created by author Donald Hamilton, the character appeared in 27 books over a 33-year period beginning in 1960 and established 'Helm' as one of the most pragmatic of all fictional secret agents.
Premise of the books, follows US government counter-agent 'Matt Helm', whose primary job is to 'nullify' enemy agents.
While the novels were set in the post-WWII Cold War era, the current script is set in the present …
Monday, October 19, 2009
Paramount Targets "Matt Helm"...
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