Private eye Clive Owen

Jan 25, 2007, 8:00 GMT

Owen EPA/CLAUDIO ONORATI

Clive Owen has landed the role of legendary fictional private eye Philip Marlowe.

The British actor has signed up to star as the flawed sleuth - created by Raymond Chandler in his collection of detective novels - in a new movie series being created by Universal Pictures and Strike Entertainment.

Strike has obtained the rights to the Marlowe adventures - set in 1940s Los Angeles - which include 'The Big Sleet' and 'Farewell My Lovely', and will produce the pictures with Owen acting as executive producer.

Owen, 42, was reportedly touted for the role after his impressive narration and performance in cult movie 'Sin City'.

A studio executive said: "Clive is thrilled to have landed the much-sought-after role."

Studio bosses are determined to stick to the noir spirit of the books, keeping Marlowe the hard-drinking, wise-cracking, world-weary character fans have come to expect.

Producers are still deciding which titles to adapt to the big screen first.

Marlowe has previously been portrayed on film by Humphrey Bogart, Dick Powell, James Garner and Elliot Gould.

(C) BANG Media International