Dwayne Johnson joins new Universal franchise from Bourne writer

• Danny Pape


• 19 May 2016

Universal Pictures is building a new cinematic universe based on the novels of Robert Ludlum, who wrote the Jason Bourne series. And according to The Hollywood Reporter, the first film will be an adaptation of The Janson Directive, and will star Dwayne Johnson.

The Janson Directive is described as ‘an espionage thriller about an ex-Navy SEAL and highly sought-after corporate security consultant called Paul Janson, who is framed for the murder of a billionaire Nobel Peace Laureate and must uncover the truth while staying out of the crosshairs of his former colleagues.’

James Vanderbilt will write the screenplay and will pen two more treatments based on Ludlum’s books which will also slot into the franchise. Although it’s unknown whether Johnson will feature in the other two.

The late Robert Ludlum’s latest adapted work on screen is Jason Bourne, which hits cinemas on July 29.