Raimi may re-boot Jack Ryan franchise

LOS ANGELES, March 19 (UPI) -- Hollywood's Paramount Pictures is in negotiations with director Sam Raimi to revive the Jack Ryan film franchise inspired by Tom Clancy's CIA novels.

The CIA analyst character of Jack Ryan was originated on film by Alec Baldwin in "The Hunt for Red October," while Harrison Ford later played the part in "Patriot Games" and "Clear and Present Danger," and Ben Affleck took over the Ryan role in "The Sum of All Fears."

Variety.com said Raimi may develop and direct a series of films featuring Ryan at an earlier point in his career than has been shown on-screen before.

The movies would be produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Raimi's Buckaroo Entertainment partner Josh Donen, the entertainment industry trade paper said.

Raimi is best known for directing the three "Spider-Man" blockbusters.