Universal Puts Robert Ludlum's "The Sigma Protocol" On The Front Burner

Variety has reported that Universal is putting the adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s The Sigma Protocol on the front burner, and has hired Iron Man screenwriters Art Marcum and Matt Holloway to pen the screenplay based on the late author’s novel published in 2001.

The Sigma Protocol revolves around a young investment banker who discovers a secret organization that has been manipulating the global economy. When the banker tries to expose the scheme, he’s targeted for death.

Universal originally acquired the material in 2002 and had several screenplay drafts written. Marcum and Holloway, however, have their own take and are expected to work from that. The pair were also hired to write the screenplay for a Highlander remake, but are now expected to begin work on The Sigma Protocol first.

Since the success of the Jason Bourne trilogy, Ludlum’s material has become hot property. In addition to The Sigma Protocol, many of the author’s other works are now getting the royal treatment. The Chancellor Manuscript was sold to Paramount in 2005 for $4 million, with producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher developing it with Appian Way as a star vehicle for Leonardo DiCaprio. MGM and Relativity Media spent $3 million earlier this year to acquire Ludlum’s 1979 espionage thriller The Matarese Circle with Denzel Washington attached to star and 3:10 to Yuma screenwriters Michael Brandt and Derek Haas penning the adaptation.