Earlier this year there was an interesting story that came out about Sam Raimi being hired by Paramount to help reshape their Jack Ryan franchise, based on the character created by Tom Clancy. It seemed like a bit of a strange gig for Raimi, and to be honest I had kind of forgotten because we didn’t hear anything more about it. Well now it seems we have an update on the situation, and if what CHUD says is true, the reason why there hasn’t been much progress is because Raimi and Paramount are currently at a major impasse over who they think should play CIA operative Jack Ryan.

Raimi’s choice for the role is an unexpected one: he seems to think that his Spider-Man co-star James Franco is the right man for the job. In fact, he believes in it so strongly that he is reportedly willing to walk away from the project altogether if they don’t offer him the role. Paramount, on the other hand, did want someone younger, but they don’t think Franco has enough box office draw to headline a franchise like this. Although I like Franco, I kind of agree with them. Pineapple Express certainly helped to raise his visibility, but I’m not sure that he has proven himself worthy of carrying a massive franchise like this (especially one that appeals to a slightly older crowd). We probably have take this rumour with a grain of salt, but still, what do you think? Could James Franco pull it off? Or would the previously rumoured Ryan Gosling do a better job?