Iron Man scribes at work on Robert Ludlum’s ‘The Sigma Protocol’

By Patrick Luce Jun 3, 2008, 13:55 GMT

Based on Robert Ludlum\'s novel of the same name.The film centers on an American economist who becomes the target of professional assassins. When a U.S. intelligence agent investigating his case finds herself discredited, the two end up on the run and uncover a vast multinational conspiracy manipulating the global economy and world events. ...more

Robert Ludlum’s "The Sigma Protocol" is on the fast track at Universal with "Iron Man" writers Art Marcum and Matt Holloway hired to pen the screen adaptation.

Variety reports Universal picked up the screen rights to Ludlum’s 2001 novel in 2002 before the release of the first "Bourne" film. The studio has had several drafts of the film written, but Marcum and Holloway are expected to start from scratch.

Ludlum’s novel centers on an American economist who becomes the target of professional assassins. When a U.S. intelligence agent investigating his case finds herself discredited, the two end up on the run and uncover a vast multinational conspiracy manipulating the global economy and world events.

Marcum and Holloway are scheduled to finish the screenplay before they start work on the script for the upcoming remake of "Highlander." The duo is also working on the screenplay for Paramount’s "Convoy."

In addition to moving forward on Ludlum’s "Sigma Protocol," Universal is also moving forward with a fourth "Bourne" film. The film is expected to see Paul Greengrass return to the director’s chair and Matt Damon return as Jason Bourne.

The successful "Bourne" franchise has made Ludlum’s work a hot ticket in Hollywood. The author’s "The Chancellor Manuscript" sold to Paramount for $4 million in 2005. The film is being developed as a star vehicle for Leonardo DiCaprio with producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher.

MGM and Relativity Media picked up the film rights to Ludlum's 1979 thriller "The Matarese Circle" for $3 million earlier this year. The film is being developed with Denzel Washington attached to star. "3:10 to Yuma" writers Michael Brandt and Derek Haas are at work penning the screenplay.