Steven Spielberg has long dreamed of making a series of serious spy movies from novelist Donald Hamilton's 27 Matt Helm books. However, when Spielberg and Dreamworks left Paramount, the studio retained control of the project and hired screenwriter Paul Attanasio to develop the project. Attanasio has delivered a script, which finally seems to put the project on the fast track after years of rumors that Helm would be returning to the screen. Dean Martin played the playboy sleuth in four films during the spy craze of the 1960s. However, while these films were commercial hits, Hamilton's fans were appalled at the comedic, over-the-top aspects of the films, which didn't resemble the novels at all. It is said that the new project would be in the vein of the Bourne films. Variety reports that Spielberg may still be involved in the project as either producer or director. Click here to readÂ
Click here to read Matthew Bradley's article Mr. Helm Goes to Hollywood, tracing the history of the novels and Dean Martin films.Â