John Cenais in talks to star inThe Janson Directive, a Universal Pictures adaptation ofRobert Ludlum’s action-thriller novel. Cena would play the role of Paul Janson, a former Consular Operations agent works as a private security consultant after leaving his former post due to a guilty conscience over sanctioned killings. Now, Janson uses his skills–and his team-up with a sharpshooter–only to help those in need.
Varietyreports that Cena will step into the role that previously hadDwayne Johnsonattached to star. Due to scheduling conflicts, the role will go to Cena, but Johnson andDany Garciaremain on board as executive producers through their Seven Bucks Productions banner. The duo obviously have a shared history in the squared circle of professional wrestling, but they also share massively muscular frames, a dedicated work ethic, and a rising (or risen, in the case of Johnson) stardom in Hollywood. Cena recently appeared in comedies likeBlockers,Sisters, andTrainwreck, dramas likeThe Walland a bunch of voice-acting roles like the lead inFerdinandand upcoming titlesDallas & Robo,Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesandThe Voyage of Dr. Doolittle.The Janson Directive, however, poses a franchise opportunity for the wrestling superstar.
Ben SmithandJeffrey Weinerof Captivate Entertainment produce along withHiram Garciaof Seven Bucks Productions,James Vanderbilt,Brad Fischer, andWilliam Sherakof Mythology, andAkiva Goldsmanof Weed Road Pictures.Tracey Nybergwill executive produce through Mythology. Vanderbilt is scripting the adaptation from a story co-authored with Goldsman.
Here’s a look atThe Janson Directivesynopsis, courtesy of Ludlum’s book (viaAmazon):
When billionaire [Editor’s Note: Playboy?] philanthropist Peter Novak is kidnapped by a terrorist known as The Caliph, it’s up to Paul Janson―a legend in the notorious U.S. covert agency Consular Operations―to save him. But Janson’s rescue operation goes horribly wrong…and soon Janson is marked for death, the target of a “beyond salvage” order issued from the highest level of the government. Now Janson is running for his life, pursued by Jessica Kincaid, a young agent of astonishing ability who can anticipate and counter his every move. To survive, Janson must outrace a conspiracy that has gone beyond the control of its originators. To win, he must counter it with a conspiracy of his own…
