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Jose Padilha Directing Robert Ludlum's Sigma Protocol
by Alex Billington
January 27, 2009
Last June we announced that an adaptation of Robert Ludlum's last novel that he finished, Sigma Protocol, was being fast-tracked at Universal, with Iron Man writers Art Marcum and Matt Holloway penning the screenplay. Universal has announced today that Jose Padilha, of Bus 174 and The Elite Squad, will be getting his big break directing Sigma Protocol. Although the stories aren't the same, this project is being referred to as the next big franchise in line to replace the Bourne trilogy, primarily because Robert Ludlum penned the books for which both are based on. Padilha is gearing up for a summer shoot.
Briefly, Sigma Protocol is another modern-day man on the run kind of story set in Europe. The story follows a young investment banker who discovers a secret organization that has been manipulating the global economy. While he is also pursued by assassins and agents, this differs from the Bourne series in that it uses a World War II conspiracy and Nazis as a plot hook. You can read more about the story in our original article (or just pick up a copy of the book). I've never seen any of Padilha's previous films, so it'll be interesting to see how he handles a big Hollywood blockbuster like this. No word on casting yet.
6 Comments
1
To replace the Bourne Trilogy? I don't know if you heard, but future Bourne installments are already in the works. Bourne isn't going anywhere, Universal is betting hard on the franchise...
Darunia on Jan 27, 2009
2
I wonder if they will actually use some of the plot from the book this time? Commonalties of the Bourne Trilogy novels and movies: A guy named Bourne loses his memory he meets a girl named Marie that is all
Jmoney on Jan 27, 2009
3
At least it sounds different from Bourne. I mean, obvious similarities, but at least it's not about a spy. Could be good. Also, the first Bourne movie was my favorite, although I appreciated the second and tolerated the third.
Timothy on Jan 27, 2009
4
#2 You are absolutely right. They also used the word Treadstone, remember? The Sigma Protocol is a good book, classic twists aplenty Ludlum. And I really don't see this as a Bourne like trilogy because The Sigma Protocol is a stand alone book. But then again it was already mentioned that the movie Bourne Trilogy has little in common with the original series of books.
John on Jan 27, 2009
5
It would be hard to make this a terrible movie. Not easy to make it ground breakingly good, living up to its potintial.. But I can't see how they could possibly make it a stink bomb.
Dating in Toronto on Mar 23, 2009
6
I think the book is ridiculous. It is a concoction of unbelievable events. A literary cartoon, with all the credibility of Wile E. Coyote. All the great minds of Hollywood who package such triipe with sex scenes and computer generated effects are not going to bring this story to life. Its a perfect recipe for financial disaster. Maybe they have Will Smith and Lady Gaga penciled in for the main characters.
Phil Picciotti on Jul 5, 2012
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