Branagh is Ryan's new hope.(Kenneth Branagh to direct a movie about Jack Ryan)(Brief article)

With Jack Bender having departed Paramount and Skydance Pictures' untitled Jack Ryan pic last week, the partners have quickly tapped Kenneth Branagh to take the helm.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Variety first reported that Bender had fallen out due scheduling conflicts, and sources told Variety that news put the project in jeopardy. Now, if Branagh's deal closes, the project will be back on the front burner.

Paramount and Skydance had no comment.

The untitled pic, based on the character created by Tom Clancy, has been a priority at Paramount since Chris Pine …