In a market that's already populated by James Bond, Jason Bourne and Ethan Hunt, is there really any room for another spy franchise? If Steven Spielberg has anything to say about it, there just might be.
Variety reports that the "Indiana Jones" director spies with his not-so-little eye the director's chair on "Matt Helm," a movie based on the secret agent novel series created by author Donald Hamilton. The road for Spielberg to helm "Helm" is a tricky one however, filled with obstacles well fit for a secret agent's skill set.
According to the article, "Matt Helm" is completely owned by Paramount Pictures, a studio that was formerly partnered with Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Pictures. While Spielberg is attached to produce the film, there's no directing deal in place, leaving the ball in Paramount's court: will the studio opt to pay the assuredly hefty sum for Spielberg's behind-the-lens services, or will they save some cash and go with a different director?
Depending on Paramount's decision, the "Matt Helm" franchise could be Spielberg's next directorial gig. The first book was published in 1960, focusing on World War II hero Matt Helm, a United States secret agent tasked with assassinating enemy spies. Over the course of the novels, Helm's origin and age underwent several variations, leaving the character without any definitive roots.
The current script written by Paul Attanasio ("Donnie Brasco") allegedly features Helm in a modern day setting -- meaning that the spy's '40s-era war history will be wiped clean, unless the hero is older than my grandfather. The script is also described as similar to the "Bourne" films in tone, a marked departure from Helm's previous onscreen outings -- starring Rat Pack-er Dean Martin -- that were decidedly less serious than the Matt Damon-starring franchise.
Do you think "Matt Helm" sounds like a good fit for Spielberg? Are you a fan of the character? Have you ever heard of the books? Give us your thoughts in the comments!
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