Chris Pine is, unfortunately, one of the only A-list Chrises in Hollywood not attached to a Marvel Studios franchise. Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, and Chris Hemsworth have those roles seemingly locked up. But yet, Pine is no stranger to franchise film work, and it appears that he’s adding another one to his list, with the upcoming reboot of “The Saint.”
According to Variety, Pine is in negotiations to star in the upcoming action film, “The Saint,” directed by Dexter Fletcher. The film is the latest adaptation of the novel series from the ‘20s, written by Leslie Charteris. In the ‘60s, Roger Moore starred in a TV series based on the works. And in 1997, Val Kilmer attempted to get a film franchise version of “The Saint” off the ground, but ultimately failed. Now, it’s Pine’s turn.
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As mentioned, the film is directed by Fletcher, who is best known for rescuing “Bohemian Rhapsody” and helming “Rocketman.” The reboot is written by Seth Grahame-Smith. “The Saint” tells the story of Simon Templar, a Robin Hood-style thief for hire that goes on various adventures and heists all around the world. Honestly, Pine seems like a great choice, as he has the charm and acting chops to finally make the character a household name.
Pine has various other franchises under his belt. Recently, he’s starred in both “Wonder Woman” films, with the sequel set to arrive in theaters late-summer. Before that, he was the lead in the most recent reboot of “Star Trek” that began in 2009. And let’s not forget his failed franchise hopeful, “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” back in 2014.
No word on when production on “The Saint” might begin, due to the production stoppages plaguing the industry. However, the report claims that the film will likely be ready to go soon, and will serve as Fletcher’s follow-up to his Oscar-nominated “Rocketman.”
You can watch the trailer for Kilmer’s 1997 film below: