Val Kilmer Action Thriller Getting Reboot From Bourne Identity Director

By Sckylar Gibby-Brown | Published

The Saint is being resurrected in a reboot from Doug Liman, director of 2002’s The Bourne Identity. The iconic character, Simon Templar, made famous by Val Kilmer in the 1997 original, is set to return to the big screen with a fresh perspective and an exciting cast. According to The Hollywood Reporter, actor Regé-Jean Page was already set to play Templar.

Doug Liman, Bourne Identity Director, Set To Helm The Saint Reboot

Liman’s involvement adds a surge of momentum to the long-awaited project, which has seen various iterations over the past few years. Prior to Liman, Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman and Ghosted) was set to direct The Saint reboot, and Chris Pine (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves) was set to take over Kilmer’s famous role. Liman, however, is a suitable fit for the feature, bringing with him a wealth of action film experience from his work which includes Edge of Tomorrow, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and, of course, the Bourne Identity franchise.

Regé-Jean Page Replacing Val Kilmer As Templar

rege-jean page

Regé-Jean Page brings less experience to the table, though the little he has is impressive. Page played Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings in Netflix’s Bridgerton, which proved to be his breakout role after being on the acting scene since 2001. Before being cast as Templar in The Saint, Page started his career by playing various background characters in film and TV (including playing an uncredited wedding guest in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1). 

After finding his big break at Bridgerton, Page performed next to Chris Pine as the dignified Xenk in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves and is set to play the iconic Butch Cassidy in an upcoming untitled Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid series, which will likely release before the remake of The Saint.

Val Kilmer In The Original Saint Film

the saint

Page is not only stepping into Kilmer’s formidable shoes as an actor and assuming the role of Simon Templar, a mysterious and skilled protagonist known for his mastery of disguise, but he’s also taking on the role of executive producer for The Saint reboot.

The original The Saint, directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Val Kilmer, followed the high-tech thief and master of disguise as he navigated the underworld of international industrial theft and espionage. The film was a modest financial success, grossing $169.4 million worldwide. 

What To Expect From The Remake

However, it’s all guesswork as to whether the reboot will follow the original story or come up with something new. Liman’s take on the character and the narrative direction of The Saint reboot are being kept tightly under wraps, leaving fans in eager anticipation of the fresh approach. No matter what happens, Liman is known for his ability to craft intense and gripping narratives, so the director is sure to inject new energy into the character of Simon Templar.

Keeping Simon Templar’s Legacy Alive

As the reboot of The Saint gains traction under the guidance of Doug Liman, fans can expect a contemporary and exhilarating take on the classic character. With Regé-Jean Page at the helm and Liman’s proven track record in the action genre, this reboot promises to be a thrilling addition to the legacy of Simon Templar. As the details surrounding the project remain shrouded in secrecy, audiences can anticipate an action-packed revival that pays homage to the character’s storied history while charting new territories in the world of espionage and adventure.