Universal already has one cinematic universe bubbling away with its monster properties. The company is looking to expand on the success of its Bourne franchise with some other, linked Robert Ludlum adaptations, and will launch that initiative on the back of Dwayne Johnson starring in The Janson Directive.
Truth's James Vanderbilt is aboard to write and produce the film, which Johnson has been attached to for nearly two years now after considering the idea back in July 2014. The story focuses on a consular agent who, after ditching the life of a covert ops warrior after getting sick of sanctioned killing, starts a private security firm. While Akiva Goldsman has done some script drafts, he's now working with Vanderbilt to develop the linked Ludlum films idea going forward, bringing in his more recent experience with the Transformers and Hasbro writing teams. And Captivate Entertainment's Ben Smith and Jeffrey Weiner, who hold the rights to the Ludlum books, will also be involved.
"The Janson Directive is classic Robert Ludlum," Johnson tells The Hollywood Reporter. "Sharp, edgy and layered storylines. The character is complex, conflicted, bad ass and lethal – I can't wait to sink my teeth into this and bring him to life. Between Jamie, Akiva, Captivate and Universal, it's an exciting time to help produce and build out this awesome Ludlum universe."
In addition to Janson, Vanderbilt will write treatments for other Ludlum adaptations with the idea to tie characters together in some fashion, before handing those off to other writers. “I’ve been obsessed with Robert Ludlum ever since I was a kid, and the opportunity to play in this sandbox and create an interconnected universe based on the works of one of the best espionage writers of all time is a dream come true,” he says.
Universal has various other Ludlum books in its sights, including The Parsifal Mosaic, The Sigma Protocol and Covert One, but it'll start with The Janson Directive and build from there.
As for Johnson, he's finishing up shooting Baywatch, which arrives on May 12 next year before segueing into working on Fast & Furious 8, targeting an April 14 release. He'll next be on our screens in Central Intelligence, which lands on July 1.