Based on a 1920s book series by Leslie Charteris about Simon Templar (a.k.a. The Saint), a Robin Hood-esque criminal and thief for hire that was turned into a very successful TV series starring Roger Moore and then revamped with Ian Ogilvy. There’s also been multiple other telemovie, radio and TV series adaptations with actors like Vincent Price, Louis Hayward, George Sanders and Adam Rayner. But the only big screen version was in 1997 with Val Kilmer in the lead that grossed $116m not enough for a sequel but news is in that The Saint returns!
“Edge of Tomorrow” and “The Bourne Identity” helmer Doug Liman is attached to both direct and oversee the development of the reimagining of “The Saint” franchise for Paramount Pictures. Liman has just wrapped on the Jake Gyllenhaal-led “Road House” remake due out next year (can’t wait to see the trailer for that one!). Liman is to reunite with his Bourne Identity star Matt Damon on the Apple Studios pic The Instigators which also stars Casey Affleck before he begins work on The Saint returns. In the lead role will be “Dungeons and Dragons” star Regé-Jean Page who will also executive produce. On script detail will be Rory Haines (Black Adam, The Mauritanian) and Sohrab Noshirvani but at present plot details are being kept under wraps. The Saint is said to be a high priority for the studio as pre-production on a lot of films ramps up post SAG strike and this has the potential to be another franchise.
Rumour has it that this latest incarnation will be a “completely new take that reimagines the character and world around him”.
related feature : We chat to the legendary Ian Ogilvy about his new all star film, ‘Renegades’
related feature : How that Dungeons and Dragons Honour Among Thieves cameo came about…
