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Denzel Washington Headlining Robert Ludlum's The Matarese Circle
April 5, 2008
Source: Hollywood Reporter
by Alex Billington
A new project in the works has been generating a lot of buzz amongst the studios this weekend - one based off of Robert Ludlum's book The Matarese Circle. No studio has actually landed the project yet, but it sounds as if a bidding war is about to begin. The reason: Denzel Washington is already attached to play the hero named Bradley Scofield. We're all familiar with the last franchise based off of a Ludlum novel - the Bourne Identity trilogy. The Matarese Circle is another one of Ludlum's legendary spy books, originally published in 1983, and it sounds just as exhilarating as the Bourne series.
Only two rival spies—and one mysterious woman—can stop them: Scofield, CIA, and Talaniekov, KGB. They share a genius for espionage—and a life of terror and explosive violence. Sworn enemies, they have vowed to terminate each other—yet now they must become allies. Because only they possess the brutal skills and ice-cold nerves vital to destroy an international circle of killers, the Matarese.
The story within The Matarese Circle revolves around two secret agents, American CIA agent Bradley Scofield (Washington) and Russian KGB agent Vasili Taleniekov, who must work together to fight a mysterious group of killers known as the Matarese. The twist is that the two have been each other's nemeses for years, with each responsible for killing someone close to the other.
Screenwriting duo Michael Brandt and Derek Haas (of 2 Fast 2 Furious, 3:10 to Yuma, Wanted) are attached to write the script. Lorenzo di Bonaventura (Shooter, Stardust, Transformers, G.I. Joe) and Nick Wechsler (We Own the Night, Reservation Road, The Time Traveler's Wife) will produce.
Since no studio has officially bought the pitch yet, its pure speculation to say that this could become a trilogy. However, it would make sense - considering the success of the Bourne trilogy and considering this is the only other Ludlum novel to have a follow-up written: The Matarese Countdown, published in 1997. From the sounds of it, the characters are dynamic enough that a franchise could easily be developed and the stories tweaked to produce upwards of at least three films. And with Denzel Washington in the lead we definitely might have a new spy hero in the works!
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Reader Feedback - 6 Comments »
1
For anyone that hasn't read those books…they are amazing, I would say better than the Bourne series in terms of depth and complexity. I really hope they do a good job on these!
Obi Nneji on Apr 7, 2008
2
this sounds like it could be a hit.
austin on Apr 7, 2008
3
dude, the character's name in the book is BRANDON scofield. that aside, it was a good book.
a reader on Aug 31, 2008
4
even better than the Bourne series. i mean, i'm a big fan of the Jason Bourne, but the Matarese Circle has a better story line, more action packed, and the ending is much more gripping. it's been over 15 years since i've read this book, but i can still remember almost all of it. that's how good this book is. i just hope they'd do a better job on this film than the modern Bourne series (the Richard Chamberlaine/Jaclyn Smith was not any better as well).
Eric Elemento on Dec 17, 2008
5
I really want to talk to someone who is working on this film. My entire life people have pronounced my name wrong. If they say it wrong in the movie it will be the kiss of death.
Please help,
Phil Matarese
Phil Matarese on Feb 26, 2009
6
I read the book and it is a sure bet that it would bring good results as a big screen production. But changing the script to modern day fit and casting actors according to it doesn't sound good at all.The Bourne Trilogy was a hit with the younger generation for its action packed scenes and story,but it didn't wash well with those who read the real series.
Sree on Mar 21, 2009