Best-selling author Vince Flynn has signed a comprehensive new deal that will keep his work in the CBS Corporation for the foreseeable future.
First,
CBS films has acquired the film rights to Flynn’s novels and plans to launch a franchise based on his character Mitch Rapp. Rapp, a CIA operative, has been the star of eight of Flynn’s nine books.
Amy Baer, President & CEO of CBS Films:
“One of my first goals for CBS Films was to find a character-based movie franchise. With the Mitch Rapp series, Vince Flynn has created a relatable, modern, post-9/11 hero for the action/thriller genre. It is an amazing collection of creative material that offers tremendous potential for a smart, energizing new film franchise with appeal to a wide range of movie- going audiences. The publishing world has always provided abundant source material for motion pictures, and we’re fortunate that our corporate cousins at Simon & Schuster attract and nurture some of the world’s best literary assets.”
Vince Flynn:
“I couldn’t be happier with this deal. Signing up for four more books, keeping the movie in the family with CBS Films and getting Lorenzo and Nick to sign on as producers … it’s the outcome I’d always hoped for. Loyalty is a big thing to me. Simon & Schuster, Atria and Pocket Books have stood by me for 10 years and done a magnificent job publishing my novels. Lorenzo and Nick have been trying to bring Mitch Rapp to the big screen since 2004, so there is a level of commitment on their part that is very comforting to me. They understand Mitch Rapp, as does Amy Baer and her team. It is going to be a lot of fun watching CBS Films hit this thing out of the park.”
Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Nick Wechsler will produce the films.
No mention was made as to which book they would use as the basis for the first film.
The second part of this deal is a worldwide four-book deal that includes the audio rights. The plan is to release the first of these in 2010. It will simultaneously be released in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia.
Not bad for a guy that self-published his first novel.
Finally! And here we all thought that the liberal Hollywood establishment would never allow Mitch Rapp to see the light of day.
Now the real question: Who will be cast in key roles?
I'm voting for Josh Brolin as Mitch. Joan Allen as Dr. Irene Kennedy, and Neil McDonough as Scott Coleman.
I'll go for Tom Cruise as Mitch Rapp
Tom cruise would be awful!
Mark Walhberg as Mitch (watch "Shooter", you'll see)
Joan Allen could do Irene.
Which book should they make, I vote "transfer of power"
sure tom cruise is nuts but he makes a heck of a movie! can't deny how HUGE this movie will be if tom suits up as mitch…
tom cruise is short to be mitch rapp. but yeah, with camera trick and all, he should be ok. he can sure make mitch more popular. mitch will be known in other parts of this world. joan is good as dr kennedy. may be patrick stewart as director thomas stansfield. and transfer of power for the 1st movie
Colin Farrell as Mitch Rapp (talk about attitude eh!) and Mia Kirshner as Anna Reilly – check this out (http://www.listal.com/viewimage/233682)… 2nd choice may be laura harring
Jon Hamm, who plays in Mad Men, is at least being considered for the Mitch Rapp part.
http://www.drblogstein.com/2008/10/jon-hamm-to-play-mitch-rapp.html
tom cruise would do a horrible job of portraying rapp.
a) he's too much of a pretty boy
b) he is too well known
c) half the audience would just think of rapp as another Ethan Hunt
d) tom cruise is (in addition to being a scientologist) a liberal
in my opinion, christian bale wouldn't make a bad Rapp. after seeing Jon Hamm, however, i think he could pull off the part quite well.
i vote for Jessica Biel as Anna Rielly, "Pam" from the Bourne films for Irene Kennedy, and Daniel Craig for Scott Coleman (although him being James Bond could put a damper on that idea)
– in addition, from a comical standpoint i think it would be cool to have Kal Penn (Kumar, Taj) play the role of a terrorist in one the films
Eric Bana or Clive Owen as Mitch
Joan Allen would be a good choice if she wasn't already in the Bourne movies
Agree with Christian Bale as Mitch
Russell Crowe is kind of who Mitch looks and sounds like in my head. I almost think that a no-namer needs to emerge as MITCH RAPP though & start with a fresh identity…. not a celeb B-Lister that's already been in 8 movies. For the people who have never read one of the MR books, the first impression is going to be key! It will kill the drill if it's TOO familiar of a face.
Spokane, WA
I have been thinking about actors for Mitch Rapp for a long time. I think that Eddie Cahill who plays Don Flack on CSI:NY would make a perfect Mitch. You have to have someone with black hair and attitude. Colin Farrel would work too, but he is getting tiresome.
Tom Cruise for Mitch Rapp is possibly the worst idea ever. This series is going to be huge and we need someone not a lot of people know. Eric Bana has my vote for Rapp. Joan Allen would also be a great pick for Irene Kennedy. She would bring publicity to the movies and she is a fantastic actress. Neil McDonough is exactly who I picture for Scott Coleman. Good choice.
Hugh Jackman for Mitch Rapp? Hamm, Crowe, Bail would work. No Tom Cruise!!
The best guy who fits Mitch's description is Gerard Butler. He's great in action films. Remember 300? Other alternatives, Max Martini or Scott Foley from The Unit, but Gerard Butler has the physique, moves, and is basically a real bad-ass when it comes to action films.
The best guy who fits Mitch's description is Gerard Butler. He's great in action films. Remember 300? Other alternatives, Max Martini or Scott Foley from The Unit, but Gerard Butler has the physique, moves, and is basically a real bad-ass when it comes to action films.
i hope tatum channing can play mitch rapp.
I can't wait for the movies!
I have been reading the series for years, recommend it to everyone who will listen and loaning out my books just to get people started on the series. I have thought since the first book that I read, that they would make great movies, and are written in such a way that it would be easy to stay true to the story and the character, I can't believe it has taken so long for Hollywood to take notice. Can't wait for the next books and then the movies. Congratulations and good luck. You deserve the recognition.
Carol 🙂
Steven Seagal or Jason Stratham to play Mitch Rapp… gotta have looks, deep voice and attitude. Both fill the bill.
I just hope that Flynn gets some say in the screenplay…It would suck if It got "hollywood-ized" and ruined.
Totally agree with your comment about Flynn getting involved. Hollywood has a habit of bastardizing movies like his books.Notice how the Bourne Ultimatum became so anti-American compared to the book? Here's another actor who could pull it off- Bruce Willis- yippe cay-a mother….
I see Matthew Fox from "Lost" playing the Mitch Rapp part. This part would make him a superstar. Joan Allen would be great as Kennedy.
Joan Allen- yes, she would do well.Also, so would Lauren Holly from NCIS. For what it's worth, one of Bill O'Reilly's blogs (he's a big fan of Vince) says Act of Treason will be the first movie
max martini would prove an great choice for mitch, his attitude and on camera presence is all rapp.
but whoever they pick has to be a normal looking guy, not pretty or new, a fresh face would be max.
To be honest huge fan of the character Mitch Rapp but there is only one choice "Gerard Butler" he has the look like he can tear you apart in a second. But he is not in your face about it.
I think that Roy Dupois. Not well known and did awesome in the Series Le Femme Nikita with Pita Wilson.
I think Ray Stevenson would be good playing Mitch Rapp
William
how about the actor who played "joe toye" in band of brothers.. kirk acevedo? to play mitch rapp…and i agree with not allowing this project to be "hollywoodized".. look what they (hollywood) did with "the sum of all fears"…
No…I think actor Thomas Jane would make a great Rapp. He played the role of Castle in the 2004 movie "The Punisher". He even trained with some Navy Seals to prep for the role. He fits Rapps description per Flynns books…About 6'1", dark eyes, ruddy complextion, athletic build but not a beast. Watch The Punisher and you will see.
nancy pelosi should read vince flynn's books in fact it should be required reading for anyone in law enforcement or politics. cant wait for movies to be released. looking foward to the next book.
The best character to play Mitch Rapp would be either Robert Patrick or Max Martini (both play on the show The Unit). These guys fit Mitch's description because they are a little older and have that tough wear and tear look about them! Either one of them as Rapp and then the other could be casted as another key character (Nash). That would make a great team!
Cruise? Crazy–and a twerp! Hugh Jackman as Rapp and Helen Mirren as Kennedy.
I agree with Joan Allen as Kennedy. As far as Rapp you need someone with dark hair and complexion and moves like an athlete. The movies should go in order of the books. The closest thing to Rapp on TV is Jack Bauer.
Hugh Jackman…too pretty. I like the Colin Farrell look, but he's too well known. Find a fresh face.
No way for Tom Cruise. Would NEVER work. He's a smidget. Can't think of anybody else right off the top of my head as I don't watch much TV or movies. If this series gets made, I WILL be in front of the boob tube.
Thomas Jane as Mitch, Joan Allen could pull Irene off using the Bourne movies as a stepping stone of sorts.
I'd burn all of my Flynn books if Tom Cruise played Rapp. Much too wimpy with lots of bad box office baggage now.
Remember that Rapp is tall, dark, ruggedly handsome, mid 30's. A lot of actors named don't fit. Hopefully there would be more movies so Rapp can't be an older actor. Love, love, love Joan Allen but she might be too old since Irene is closer to Mitch's age I believe.
I like Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler, Eric Bana and Clive Owen.
I hope they dump Anna, she damaged a couple of the books for me. Neil McDonough or Max Martini are great for Coleman (he's fair and tough as nails).
Stanfield is older but I'm not sure Patrick Stewart is old enough, although he gave me the creeps in Conspiracy Theory. Shrewd and cold. Could work.
I just hope CBS doesn't screw up this great character and fabulous story lines. Move over Bourne, here comes Rapp.
After watching Dark Blue on TNT last night, and having seen the movie "Edison Force", would certainly like Dylan McDermott as Mitch Rapp. Has that look to him that says "torturing then killing a terrorist is the first, second and third option". Perfect. Also, can't think of none other than Lauren Holly to play Irene Kennedy.
Stephen Segal would make an excelent Mitch Rapp
tom crude…..no way. too short on height and talent. Segal doesn't work either, that pony tail is not a Mitch Rapp thing. It's time for Hugh Jackman to play 'the bad guy" in one of these movies, not Mitch Rapp. I vote for Mr. New Guy, second choice Matt Damien or myself if they are not available.
Jeffrey Donovon from Burn Notice as Mitch. Perfect semi-smart ass attitude backed up with great facial expressions. He plays a perfect covert ops "spy-guy". Or Mark Wahlberg.
Daniel Craig would make a great Scott Coleman had he not been Bond.
Stansfield needs to be played by a white Morgan Freeman.
Tom Cruise would be horrible as Rapp, have you read the books? I don't think Cruise has played a convincing badass. Look at mission impossible series, he comes off as a little kid trying to act tough. I think that Eric Bana would make a great Rapp, either him or Dominic Purcell(prison break). Diane Kruger as Kennedy (national Treasure), The lady from the Bourne Series would do a great job but she looks a little to old. Kennedy is supposed to look young for her age. As far as the other characters go it would depend on what book is used. Hopefully they don't start in the middle. Too much happens in the first couple books that establishes the basis for the books.
If I hear Tom Cruise is even being considered for Mitch I will lose all faith in everyone involved in producing this movie. I pray Vince Flynn has it in his rights release for these movies that Cruise is not allowed in a fifty mile radius of filming.
I think there is plenty of good actors that could pull off the role of Mitch. I personally hope that they use a relatively unknown talent as to not confuse Mitch with any other characters played in the actors past.
As for Irene it has to be a subtle beauty not a strikingly gorgeous woman. I like the idea of Joan Allen, however her role in the Borne movies is a little to similar for me.
Hopefully these movies come out soon…
My picks:
Mitch Rapp-Gerard Butler
Irene Kennedy-still looking
Scott Coleman-Max Martini
Questionables:
-Matthew Fox? Not sure what role he could play.
-Don't know if there is a big enought role
for Jason Stratham, but would not do as Mitch.
-Roy Dupuis? Not Mitch, not intense enough.
-Thomas Jane?- maybe. He may be too old
No-go's:
-Tom Cruise-too short/arrogant/overpaid
-Scott Foley-nah
-Ray Stevenson-too old
-Kirk Acevedo-don't think he sells
-Robert Patrick-way too old
-Helen Mirren as Kennedy??? Read the book. She's Mitch's age!
-Dylan McDermott-not a chance-not intense enought
-Stephen Segal-WWWAAAYY TTTOOOOO OOOLLLDD!
Lankston suggests:
1. Christian Kane from TNT's "Leverage" for Mitch Rapp.
2. Emily Deschanel from "Bones" to play Irene Kennedy.
3. Jason Stratham for Scott Coleman
We should have a progress report shortly.
Nothing earth-shattering, but things are moving forward.
Yes Mark Walhberg (Shooter) would play an awesome Mitch Rapp.
The Actor for Mitch Rapp will clearly make or break the movie
Whoever said Steven Seagal, Are you joking! Colin Farrell all the way. But its looking like Brad Pitt.
I vote for Mark Walberg, or Gerard Butler. NOT
TOM CRUISE!!!!
Joan Allen as Irene Kennedy.
NOT Tom Cruise!!!
i´d say Gerard Butler or Collin Farrell as Mitch, maybe Clive Owen or matt damon
as Scott i´d prefer Mark Wahlberg or Johnny Messner (just look at the movie "tears of the sun")
joan allen would be a great Kennedy
maybe Rachel Bilson as Anna Rielly?
mitch rapp-gerard butler
dr. kennedy-joan allen
anna rielly-charlize theron
scott coleman-mark wahlberg
Rapp: Jon Hamm
Kennedy: Diane Lane
Reilly: Isla Fisher
Stansfield: John Mahoney
Coleman: Peter Krause
Dumond: Dule Hill
Nash: Kyle Chandler
Hayes: Kevin Kline
O'Rourke: Donnie Wahlberg
McMahon: John C. Reilly (or David Morse)
Garrett: Paul Giamatti
Warch: Thomas Hayden Church (or David Morse)
Nance: Kevin Pollak
Friedman: Ken Davitian
Jones: Allison Janey
Middleton: Ken Howard
Ross: Jon Voight
Gerard Butler or Clive Owen would make a great Mitch Rapp!
I'd have to say that a perfect possibilitiy for Mitch Rapp would be Jeffrey Donovan.. Otherwise, Gerard Butler would definitely come in a close second
Anyone watch "Bones" I think, David Boreanaz from that show would be awesome as Rapp.
Gerard Butler or Mark Walhberg would make a great mitch. So would either Jow Toye or Garnier from Band of Brothers.
Mitch Rapp = Christian Bale. Great actor but not so pretty boy main stream that he would cast a pre-shadow over the movie before it started. I hope he's on the short list.
Without a doubt Mitch Rapp should be played by Jason Issacs from the Showtime series "BROTHERHOOD".
While reading Vince Flynn I always place Jason Issacs, in my minds eye,as Mitch Rapp
Was just recently introduce to Vince Flynn Books and Mitch Rapp with rest of characters. Great reading..
I think that Mark Valley of "Human Target" would make a great RAPP.
Also Jackie Earle Haley would be very good as DUMOND