Matt Helm News

Director Gary Ross has his sights set on resurrecting swinging, pulpy super-spy Matt Helm before tackling the Spider-Man spin-off, Venom. 

Donald Hamilton's 'Matt Helm' novels were previously being tinkered with by Steven Speilberg, and it is unclear whether the Transformers producer will still be involved in some capacity, but word around the campfire is that the franchise is going to be reinvented Bourne Supremacy-style.

The franchise, which had previously been adapted to film in the 1960's with the Rat Pack's Dean Martin in the title role, is undoubtedly looking to cash in on the recent resurgence of spy movies, namely gritty fare like the Jason Bourne and James Bond series.

There's also mention that Hangover heartthrob Bradley Cooper is the top choice to play the suave Helm. Ross hasn't dropped Venom from his slate, but is targeting a summer 2010 start date for the 'Helm' project. As was reported earlier, Ross is currently writing the screenplay for Spider-Man 4.