Robert Ludlum is a hot, hot product right now with Universal negotiating for screen rights to “The Parsifal Mosaic,” 
an espionage thriller as the first major project for Captivate Entertainment, the company that manages screen rights to Ludlum novels.
Universal has complete rights to continue the Bourne Identity series and has the studio first look at all Ludlum titles, 25 that haven’t yet been optioned for the screen yet.
Universal is developing a fourth Bourne film for Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass based on an original idea, and Universal and Strike Entertainment are prepping an adaptation of Ludlum’s “The Sigma Protocol.”
The Parsifal Mosaic centers on a U.S. intelligence agent who believes he witnessed the execution of his lover, who was identified as a KGB double agent.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Variety reports that Universal Pictures has set a deal with Robert Ludlum’s estate that gives them exclusive rights to the Jason Bourne character and first look at other Ludlum novels.
The move makes a lot of sense for Universal as the Bourne franchise has proven to be a big success and has become one of the studio’s biggest franchises. In fact, this deal locks in their right to move ahead with a fourth movie which actor Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass have signed on for. The film is being prepped for a Summer 2010 release.
This deal also gives the studio the first option of Ludlum’s other works, many of which are being worked into movies right now, including The Matarese Circle, The Osterman Weekend, The Chancellor Manuscript and The Sigma Protocol.
Popularity: 1% [?]
The trades are reporting that David Cronenberg is in negotiations to helm the film adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s political thriller The Matarese Circle for MGM.
The 1979 book has two rival intelligence agents – one American, the other Soviet – find themselves working together to find out and eliminate members of a mysterious group of criminals called the Matarese that has infiltrated the highest levels of the world’s governments.
Denzel Washington is already attached as the American agent. Michael Brandt and Derek Haas have adapted the screenplay.
Popularity: 1% [?]
The veteran writer-director David Cronenberg is in negotiations to direct The Matarese Circle, a political thriller with Denzel Washington attached to star in the project based on Robert Ludlum conspiracy novel.
The 1979 book depicts two rival intelligence agents — one American, one Soviet. They find themselves working together to uncover and vanquish members of a mysterious group of criminals called the Matarese that has infiltrated the highest levels of American government.
Circle places Cronenberg in the big-budget action arena and working with the A-list crowd. Cronenberg is known as the master of horror genre in the 1980’s and an unconventional independent auteur in the 1990s. Now he stands out with his movies 2005’s Oscar-nominated A History of Violence and 2007’s well-received Eastern Promises.
Popularity: 1% [?]