Paramount Looking To The Saint As Next Franchise

Studios on the hunt to find properties to turn into major franchises, Paramount is doing just that having bought all the rights to Leslie Chateris book series The Saint, according to Deadline.

This isn’t the first time the studio tried to make The Saint a franchise, with Val Kilmer (remember him? He was Batman) in 1997 and did decent business for the time, but was heavily panned by critics and from what I can remember watching it, it wasn’t like the Roger Moore TV series.

IMAGE VIA PARAMOUNT

The Saint focused on Simon Templar, a quick-witted, offbeat hero (think Robin Hood without the bow and arrows) who went after corrupt politicians, drug gangs and the like and only used his natural charm and disguises to solve the crime.

This was the role that basically got Moore the James Bond role in 1973.

You have to remember this series was incredibly popular in the 60s and it’s still being shown TODAY! If you live in the UK turnover to ITV4 at 6pm and you can check it out for yourself and the show still holds up.

The project is still in its early days with Paramount looking at Lorenzo di Bonaventura (who launched the Transformer series) and Robert Evans, who was a studio executive on a little film called The Godfather, as producers.

I’m a little worried this film could get the same reception as The Man From Uncle, but if they put The Saint in a modern setting dealing with terrorism and corruption, Paramount could have a successful spy franchise on their hands. All they need keep from the original TV series is the opening credits as they’re perfect, just make it bigger.

Who would I cast as Simon Templar? Well, if he doesn’t get the role of James Bond then Tom Hiddleston would be perfect casting as he has the same charm and wit as Moore did the TV series. Or if they want to go lesser known actor then James Norton could be a decent choice, he’s many known for his TV roles like War and Peace, Happy Valley and Grantchester.  

Left; Tom Hiddleston, Right; James Norton

What do you think? Have you ever heard of The Saint? Did you see the 1997 film? Comment below or tweet me @Shaun_Wren.