‘Bridgerton’ breakout star Regé-Jean Page has been cast as Simon Templar in the reboot of ‘The Saint.’
After scrapping the long in gestation version which had Dexter Fletcher on board to direct and Chris Pine to star, Paramount are now embarking on a new route with Page in the leading role. They have also moved to hire playwright and actor Kwame Kwei-Armah to write up a new draft of the screenplay.
The movie follows Simon Templar (a.k.a. The Saint), a Robin Hood-esque criminal and thief for hire, this new incarnation is said to be venturing down the thriller path.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brad Krevoy will produce, while Robert Evans, who died in 2019 and will receive a posthumous credit. Page is also set to executive produce.
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Based on the 1920s novel series written by Leslie Charteris, the story inspired the 1960’s TV show which starred ex James Bond star Roger Moore in the title role. In 1997 the story was revived in feature form with Val Kilmer taking the lead.
Since starring in ‘Bridgerton’ Page has become hot property and landed same high profile roles which include the Russo brothers’ ‘The Gray Man’ with Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling, as well as Paramount’s ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ movie.
Kwei-Armah, who is currently serving as artistic director of The Young Vic in London, is currently working with Spike Lee on the musical ‘All Rise’. He also co-wrote ‘892’ which stars John Boyega and is currently filming.
