Entertainment

So Which Oscar Winner Will Direct Film Adaptation of Vince Flynn‘s ’American Assassin’?

So Which Oscar Winner Will Direct Film Adaptation of Vince Flynns American Assassin?Earlier today, CBS Films announced that Oscar winner Edward Zwick (he’s responsible for films like The “Last Samurai” and “Blood Diamond”) is on board to direct the film adaptation of Vince Flynn’s popular book “American Assassin.”

The Wrap has more:

“American Assassin” was a No. 1 New York Times bestseller about the fictional CIA agent Rapp. The series has sold more than 32 million copies worldwide.

Although the book is the 11th in the series, it is the origins tale, explaining how Rapp, a college student and athlete who encountered tragedy and was recruited to the CIA — and set upon a mission of retribution.

Zwick seems ecstatic to be taking the film on. In a press statement that came out earlier today he says, ”The Mitch Rapp novels are as thrilling and entertaining as they are relevant and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to translate them to the screen.”

Likewise, Flynn has a great deal of confidence in Zwick’s ability to bring the characters — and this intriguing story — to life. He says, “I have no doubt that Edward Zwick will do an incredible job of bringing Mitch Rapp to the big screen. Ed is among the smartest and most innovative filmmakers in Hollywood and I am fully confident that he is the right man for this job.”

It looks like this could be the beginning of a very exciting franchise.

Comments (49)

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  • The Oligarchy
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:40pm

    Add your comments

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  • LINKSTER
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 5:03pm

    Everyone seems to agree that Vince Flynn is one of the best. Very unusual but I am glad to see it. Very interested to see who stars as Mitch Rapp. Could be a real stepping stone to stardom for a new actor. Should be more movies hopefully a series if they do a good job.
    Don’t plan on going to the movies to see American Assassin-will wait for Netflix.
    I would also like to see Term Limits be number one but what can you do.
    Vince Flynn is the best. Give Brad Thor a shot. Pretty good stuff.

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  • yiska8
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 4:03pm

    Dpmeek71, the movie Ben Affleck ruined was Tom Clancy’s, “The Sum of All Fears”. He played a younger Jack Ryan based on the book by Clancy.Ben Affleck is no Jack Ryan! “Clear and Present Danger” came out in 1994 and was Harrison Ford’s last film playing Jack Ryan, but there were no Muslim bad guys in it.This one was about a secret illegal war in Latin America against the drug trade . “Patriot Games” was a great film too in 1992 and was about rogue IRA terrorists. I think Rambo III was the only film I can think of where the good guys were Mujahideen and fighting the Commies. “Invasion USA” and “Red Dawn” were my faves growning up. Anyway, Mr.Flynn, please don’t t let any lib actors force writers to dumb down the script! I hope Flynn’s book to film journey is true to his work. Please do not give let the lead role of “American Assassin” go to Leonardo Dicaprio! I’ll just stick to the books if that happens.

    Report Post » yiska8  
  • ASE
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 3:52pm

    I would rather see a movie about “Term Limits”. Definitely my fav book of Flynn’s.

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  • Tirby3
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 11:17am

    I’m goin with Eric Bana.

    Report Post » Tirby3  
  • gpk
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 11:04am

    Any guy from Seal Team Six.

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  • david3755
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 10:51am

    The actor in the first Punisher movie would be perfect to play Mitch Rapp.

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  • ED4237
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 10:41am

    This is going to be good I like V.Flynn the minnesota madman writes good books that are a thrill to read. They need to find a good lead that is young because that is the age of Mitch in college and someone politically neutral would be nice, could be the start of a long movie franchise.

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  • Turkey Thug
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 10:41am

    Great books – looking forward to the movie!

    Report Post » Turkey Thug  
  • westcoastgirl210
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 10:22am

    Funny. Since The Blaze’s inception I have sat back and with interest read posts but never felt the desire to reply. It takes Mitch Rapp to get me to post something!! I love Flynn’s novels. Genius. I also feel strongly about who should play Mitch. I’ve had this discussion for years now with fans. When I read I invision someone like Oded Fehr. Check him out.
    http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004912/

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  • EqualJustice
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 10:14am

    HAHAHA The media has been so obsessed with the WIENER stories that at first glance, I thought this title said, WHICH OSCAR WEINER….. LOL

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Arizona 9-12
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:52am

    Ted Urgent deserves a camo! And of Vince’s novels I would rather see Term Limits. Maybe not the best choice as a first movie, but would be a great movie.

    Report Post » Arizona 9-12  
  • CandidCandi
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:34am

    Vince Flynn was recommended to me by someone at B&N ~ fell in love with him and Mitch Rapp even before I fell in love with Glenn Beck! When I found out Vince was a true Patriot and a friend of Glenn’s that made him all the more appealing to me! I wish him the best of luck with this film project and am looking forward to his next book! Now I’m working on Brad Thor books!!

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  • Dakotagal
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 7:13am

    We are huge Vince Flynn fans, and as someone earlier recommended, after reading the first Rapp book, we got them in order after that. Every time we read one, we picture who would best portray Mitch Rapp on screen, since most screen adaptations are a disappointment compared to the book. I’d like to see them cast a young unknown who could age with his character as the sequels are done. Nobody in Hollywood today that I can think of but maybe someone who looks like Vince Flynn himself who is a strong and striking man. You know that Vince Flynn has been very ill this year, don’t you? He has been in our prayers for some time and I think is doing OK now.

    Report Post » Dakotagal  
    • Gert914
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 4:24pm

      We are avid Vince Flynn fans, too. Some time ago before actual talk of a Mitch Rapp movie was out there, we discussed potential actors. We were thinking physical likeness and came up with Howie Long. Think about it.

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  • tavishdad
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 6:42am

    DiCaprio? Can’t you just pciture him interrogating a terrorist? He looks him in the eye and says “Can’t we all just get along?” He then drives away in his Prius. You need some young actor that could last thru the entire series. I think the Rapp series could outlast the Bourne series.

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  • EP46
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 5:15am

    Vice is great !! Read all his books if you haven’t. Also keep him in your prayers as he continues his battle with cancer.

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  • cologoddess
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 4:35am

    Yeah but who will play Mitch Rapp is VERY important… at least to me it is….

    Report Post » cologoddess  
  • semidisk
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:26am

    speaking as as a cineliterate snob who’s been bred on Mizoguchi and Dovzhenko, this’ll probably suck.

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    • axel@25
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:51am

      While it’s much too soon to say for certain whether the film will be good, bad, or indifferent, I do agree with you on one point…you most certainly must be a snob. I am curious about why you use the word, “speaking” when you’re actually writing, and why you repeat the word, “as”. I‘m guessing that because I’m not as “cineliterate” as you I’m missing some meaning or nuance…unless you misspelled “cineliterate” and it was intended to be “semi-literate”.

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    • semidisk
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 3:07am

      I said I was cineliterate, not literate.

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    • axel@25
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 4:19pm

      No, you wrote that you were a snob. The word “cine-literate” only meant that you were a snob that is well read on the subject of motion pictures.
      Anyway, I‘m sure you’re not a snob and that you only meant to convey that you were very knowledgeable about movies and that is something of which you can be proud. I only hope that you haven’t become “jaded” and rendered unable to enjoy something like Cars with some kids or MIB with some beer and friends.

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  • Ron_WA
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:50am

    I haven’t read much Vince Flynn & yeah, it is not news, nor am I a conspiracy nut, but from what I have read he’s writing fiction around very real & supposedly well protected classified info (& war-game scenarios) just like Tom Clancy did in the late ‘80s … someone is leaking classified info again …

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
    • jcannon98188
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:18am

      I am pretty sure he admits to that, if I am not mistaken. Which of course I could be. I vaguely remember him saying he has military contacts that provide settings for the books. Nothing “Top Secret” but still just general info. Could be wrong though.

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  • Contrarian51
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:48am

    I really liked the way the guy said it, using “them” which implies there will be movie sequels based upon other novels in the series.

    Who gets the lead? An obvious name like Wahlberg or DiCaprio, or someone new? Should be interesting.

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    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:52am

      WOW! I THINK you are right on the money. I think Mark Wahlberg would be PERFECT!!! I sat behind him church from the time of his first child. He’s the real deal with a lot of inner strength. I like DiCaprio, but Wahlberg ‘looks the part more”. I hope you send this suggestion to them!

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • tavishdad
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 6:39am

      DiCaprio? I can see him now, a terrorist in his squirtgun sights and he says “can’t we all just get along?” as he drives away in his Prius!

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    • AAMichael
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 9:56am

      Neither Wahlberg nor DiCaprio resemble Mitch Rapp. If they want to Hollywood this movie then I suppose either of those two get the role. If you know the series and you know the makeup of Mitch Rapp, neither of these actors fits the role. Just as Mitch Rapp was an unknown coming out of college and became a stud in the CIA, so too should be the actor that plays him. All American lacrosse player, dark hair, olive skin, BAMF, etc. The person playing Mitch Rapp needs to be what Heath Ledger was to the Joker.

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    • Contrarian51
      Posted on June 10, 2011 at 1:11am

      TAVISHDAD, have you seen Blood Diamond or The Departed? It’s a whole new DiCaprio so just get his early films as a kid out of your mind. I do think Wahlberg might be better but if they’re going to start with Rapp in his early 20s, that could be a tough one.

      AAMICHAEL, I have read every book in the series, and re-read most of them when there was nothing new out that I wanted to read, and I have to wonder if you have because how would you know who does or doesn’t “resemble” Mitch Rapp, of whom there is no picture of any kind? In case you’re thinking of the guy on the back covers, that’s the author, Vince Flynn. But hey, I‘m sure you know everything so let’s go with your idea, just some unknown guy who may or may not be able to act and who looks like your personal vision of Mitch Rapp. Good luck selling that. Not that I could possibly question a Batman aficionado. And as to Heath “Not An Unknown” Ledger, well, are you saying you hope the role drives the actor nuts and leads him to overdose?

      I came up with these 2 names from a conversation with some friends about how all the action stars we’d watched over the past 20 or so years (Gibson, Willis, Ford) were finally getting too old to pass for early 40s, much less 20s and 30s, and wondering who was coming along to replace them. No one in the conversation had other ideas but I’m willing to listen.

      Report Post »  
  • jpsays
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:26am

    A film I will gladly pay full price to see. Maybe Hollywood will get a clue.

    Report Post »  
  • RushEcho dot org
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:15am

    Vince Flynn is great! And his hero, Mitch Rapp, true American, is the young, athletic, patriotic military man, being trained to defend America by the old guard. It is an amazing action novel fitting our times.

    Report Post » RushEcho dot org  
    • Rubicon
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:08am

      I am with you 1000%!!!!! Love the novels and the author. I cannot wait to see this movie. It’ll be a huge hit.

      Report Post »  
  • axel@25
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:13am

    Of course it’s “news”, maybe not “hard” news like Wienergate, or “scarey” news like the ecomony, but it’s still news.
    one suggestion though….ease up on the RedBull.

    Report Post »  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:00am

    i don’t care . this is not news, and besides, most all of Hollywood is about as left leaning,commie supporting,anti american,anti israel,mao loving obama worshiping liberal idiots, so who gives a rats butt what happens in Hollywood,

    Report Post »  
    • Rubicon
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:05am

      I guess you haven‘t read any of Vince Flynn’s books. He is the EXACT opposite of any Hollywood liberal idiot. I am very curious as to what actors will get the part of the Mitch Rapp, this character is not politically correct, cannot stand liberal politicians, and defends America at ALL costs.

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    • jeffyfreezone
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 8:49am

      Rubicon is right about Vince, Commonsenseguy is right about Hollywood. Zwick could SERIOULSY RUIN Vince‘s work if he’s so inclined. I hope he doesn’t but we all know what Hollywood is capable of. They‘ve changed narrative’s from books in the past, which thriller did they change the Muslim bad guys to something else? Help me out here Blazers!

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    • dpmeek71
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 11:20am

      I think it was Tom Clancy’s Clear and Present Danger. The one that Ben Aflack was in. I remember being bummed about the change from the original story

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  • SilentReader
    Posted on June 9, 2011 at 12:54am

    I’m reading the book right now.

    Vince Flynn is a great writer. It leaves you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the very end. I’ve read all of his books, and I definitely suggest you read this one.

    Vince, please write another one.

    Report Post » SilentReader  
    • Showtime
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:31am

      I would rather read the book than watch a movie with leftists actors.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Rubicon
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:01am

      I read his entire series, it is soooo good. Enjoy reading Vince, he is my favorite author.

      Report Post »  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:19am

      Show Do you have Grandma5 email address?

      Report Post »  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:49am

      The only problem with a VINCE FLYNN novel is that once you pick it up and begin reading, forgedaboutit…for 2-3 days until you’ve finished devouring it. I bet you can’t put it down. I have all and have had this one for 4 months waiting to know I have the time. Maybe in a couple of weeks.

      I think he’s the most exciting Author out there…I was a huge TOM CLANCY fan but I’m in love with MITCH RAPP. :) Maybe an unknown actor…one who has done theatre…there are many layers to Rapp. Anyone who reads his books knows that’s going on behind the scenes in DC and rest of the world. Before I get to this, I have several …I think Coulter’s is next. They stack up !!

      Suggestion: On a 3×5 card, write down the titles to his books from book 1 and make sure you read them in order for the full impact. Each one stands on it’s own..but it’s a lot of fun to have continuity. I keep my card with the books on the shelves and when friends want to borrow, I duly mark it down in pencil and erase when they return it. THANKS SCOTT. I appreciate something other than Obama, Weinner, Economy, Middle East or liberal loon threats !!!

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
    • jeffyfreezone
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 8:35am

      Can’t WAIT for the release of Kill Shot! I’m not sure about Zwick. Every TV series he’s been involved in that I recall has seemed to me to push Progressive ideas within the text. Like the stuff exposed by the guy last week, sorry, I forgot his name, but the same kind of subltle agenda pushing. I hope Vice will nix that kind of crap!

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    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 1:26pm

      I don’t know about Blood Diamond, but The Last Samurai was a butcher job of the true history of that event, and it cast the Americans as imperialists, which in fact they weren’t.

      The Last Samurai was garbage. So thrilled we’ll get another Leftist take on America. Can’t wait.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • Contrarian51
      Posted on June 10, 2011 at 1:16am

      If Vince Flynn has confidence in Zwick, who are any of you to criticize the choice before the movie is even cast, much less made?

      Report Post »  
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