It seems that Ryan Gosling might be taking over the role of Jack Ryan in By Any Means Necessary, the latest film in the franchise that originated in the Tom Clancy novels. Apparently he is in negotiations to take over the role in the Paramount Pictures produced series.

Gosling would follow in the very large footsteps of Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck.

City Of God director Fernando Meirelles is currently top of the list to direct the film.

I really enjoy the Jack Ryan films, and I always look forward to a new one.

However, I will be honest and say that I don't like the books. I read Patriot Games several years ago, and I thought that it was a terrible piece of literature. As an Irish man brought up in the "troubles" (if you don't know what the "troubles" are google them- this ain't a history lesson and it's far too controversial to get into here) I thought that the book was not only naive but very poorly researched, badly written and offensive. In fact, it was one of the worst books that I've ever read- and I've read quite a few terrible books.

I do think that the Ryan films are a well balanced series, that offer action and work the brain cells. I am disappointed that Affleck won't be returning to the series. I'm a big Affleck supporter and I feel that he did well in The Sum of All Fears, in fact he was exceptional considering that he was following in Harrison Ford's footsteps.

This new film is the first which won't be based on a Clancy novel. This could be a good move, Apparently Clancy has a lot to say about the films and he hated Ford's interpretation of the role.

I feel that Gosling may be a bit young for the role- Just as Peter Jackson (he allegedly fired him from The Lovely Bones for being too young) but if Fernando Meirelles does helm the film then it may just be a good entry in the series,

Stay tuned for more coverage.

Source: Moviehole