Aug 18, 2008 by Brian Gallagher

James Franco the Next Jack Ryan?

Will James Franco be stepping into a role previously occupied by the likes of Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck? CHUD received an interesting scoop that Sam Raimi is eyeing up actor James Franco to portray Jack Ryan in his reboot of the franchise.

The scooper also mentioned that Paramount wasn't keen on the idea of Franco taking the lead in this franchise and also that Raimi and the studio are butting heads over this, to the point where, the scooper notes, that Raimi is even considering walking away from the project because of it.

We'll be sure to keep you posted on these interesting developments as soon as more information comes to light. Franco can currently be seen in the smash comedy Pineapple Express, which is in theaters now.


Sources: CHUD

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Comments (17)

  1. Nyfresh

    i agree with vamp on this one, im clue less to the Jack Ryan franchise but vamp have u ever seen City by the Sea with Robert Diniro and James Franco??? very good movie and his acting is great, that movie for me put him on the map and ever since ive allways enjoyed his acting and Pineapple Express is the sh*t

    4 years agoby @leo16Flag

  2. MovieBuff

    Little kids??? Punisher, I was probably in college when you're momma was cleaning your diapers buddy boy. And look up the definition of "proclamation". To "proclaim" something... you actually DO have to say it.

    Anyway... you did bring up some good points with Downey Jr and Damon. They were given a chance to portray roles when most people would've thought they didn't fit the bill. Anyway... like you... I'm done with this thread. See you on another thread and we can argue or agree on sh*t there too. I love this site hahahahaha

    4 years agoby @moviebuff123Flag

  3. Vamp

    Hmmmm, I know nothing about the Jack Ryan franchise whatsoever, however, Franco has been good so far in what I've seen him in. I'll be nice and exclude Pineapple Express. I'm interested to see how this plays out, as well as learn what the series is about.

    4 years agoby @vampire2000Flag

  4. PUNISHER

    Robert Downey Jr. never had a movie that did sh*t. He just starred in the lead role in a movie that has made over 300 miliion dollars. Soon he will be in the sequel. All Im saying is Franco deserves the benefit of the doubt. You have to admit that if they based all their casting choices on popularity most movies would just down right suck. They casted Matt Damon as Jason Bourne and everyone scauffed at it, saying hes not an action star. There couldnt have been a better choice for that role. I think we would both agree Franco has the talent. He just needs to be given this chance. And not everything that happened with those previous films he starred in were because of him. The director, the advertisers, they all had something to do with the money making part, not just Franco. To self proclaim something doesnt mean you have to say it to anyone you just "Know" it in your own tiny brain. Go to school, learn something. But I digress. Im done arguing with little kids, whether you are or not I dont care Im done.

    4 years agoby @cerealkillerFlag

  5. MovieBuff

    hahahahahaha self proclaimed expert.... that's f*cking funny... especially if I had actually proclaimed that. BUT I DIDN'T. So don't put words in my mouth.

    i NEVER said Franco doesn't DESERVE a chance... i NEVER said Franco is a bad actor (on the contrary.. he's good)... I SAID "he can't carry a movie". I say that by pure history and facts. He hasn't done it. He's been given plenty of chances to carry a movie and he has NOT been successful (box office wise) so far. Who knows? Maybe you're right Punisher. Maybe this is the part that'll get him over the hump... I'm just stating facts. He hasn't carried a movie when he's the main star.

    And Brew... if you check the credits... Seth Rogan is the main actor or main character... not Franco. NO DOUBT that Franco stole the show... but he was not asked to carry it. The pressure of being the main character and carrying the movie was NOT there.

    You guys still don't get it. I like Franco. I think he's a good actor and I only wish the best for the guy... he just has not proven he can carry a movie. That simple.

    And Punisher... don't get all huffy puffy hahahaha I'm not gonna say you're wrong. You may be right. You make it seem like I'm attacking YOU. You're entitled to your opinion... so take a laxative, sit on your toilet, read a magazine, and relax. These threads are so we can ALL put in our two cents worth. Cause that's all our opinions are worth buddy boy.

    4 years agoby @moviebuff123Flag

  6. Soylent Green:The Devil's Eyes

    you met ben affleck?????

    4 years agoby @jcisawesomeFlag

  7. The Dark Knight

    I would rather have him instead of ben that dick met him in person on the set of pearl harbor he was such a f*cking dick to all the crew.

    4 years agoby @thedarkknight23Flag

  8. PUNISHER

    I know your the self proclaimed expert moviebuff123, but he can. Regardless of how much his previous projects have made, he is a very well capable actor with the talent to hold his own. If newer actors were never given a chance movies would cease to exist. The article is talking about HIS ability to take over the role, and with the right director and right advertising it could damn well work. He was awesome in Annapolis, Flyboys, Pineapple Express, Spiderman, and The Great Raid. He had the talent to pull this off. I mean if Ben Affleck is given the chance, Franco certainly should be given one as well. Nothing to do with box office numbers. Especially now with the success of Pineapple Express, his popularity is high right now and gives him the opportunity to try new things with a greater chance of success. I know youre going to reply back saying Im wrong. I'll save you the time, I dont care. Thanks.

    4 years agoby @cerealkillerFlag

  9. brew1701

    pineapple express wasn't a bomb moviebuff, and franco stars in that

    4 years agoby @brew1701Flag

  10. brew1701

    ahh bring back harrison ford, he was awesome as jack ryan

    4 years agoby @brew1701Flag

  11. MovieBuff

    Annapo.. what? That f*cking movie made a grand total of 17 million dollars! You simply don't get it Punisher....

    I, too, think Franco is a good actor.. but you're not understanding what I'm saying. He can't carry a movie. Every movie he stars in is a bomb. He doesn't have the star power to make the movie a success.

    4 years agoby @moviebuff123Flag

  12. PUNISHER

    Franco was great in Annapolis. He can do it. You got to give everyone a try.

    4 years agoby @cerealkillerFlag

  13. MovieBuff

    The Jack Ryan franchise has been successful thanks to Harrison Ford. He kept the franchise alive and healthy. The first movie (Hunt for Red October) was a moderate success due to Sean Connery... not Alec Baldwin. And the fourth of the series with Ben Affleck bombed. NO boys... it was Ford that made that franchise like he did with Indiana Jones.

    They need a bigger star for the role. Not Franco. (though i DO think he did a great job in Pineapple Express)

    4 years agoby @moviebuff123Flag

  14. MovieBuff

    No offense guys... but Franco can't carry a movie. All the movies he has appeared in as the main actor have bombed. The mega hits have been as a co-star (Spiderman franchise, Pineapple Express).

    He can't carry the weight. Never has been able to. I don't think people would flock to see a new installment of the Jack Ryan franchise if Franco is the lead.

    4 years agoby @moviebuff123Flag

  15. PUNISHER

    I can see Franco as Jack Ryan. Sounds good to me.

    4 years agoby @cerealkillerFlag

  16. Flrep07

    jack ryan?? well, james franco is a great actor, so i say why not?!

    4 years agoby @flrep07Flag

  17. MikeyV1

    wow! this would be great for franco.

    4 years agoby @mikeyv1Flag

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