Paramount Pictures has just acquired the rights to The Saint, the espionage thriller that was originally a series of books that ran from 1928 to 1963. The Leslie Charteris story focuses on Simon Templar, a man who uses his intellect and quick wit to take down corrupt politicians, war profiteers and drug runners, among others.  

The deal will most likely create a franchise and not a stand-alone film, like before.  

The books inspired a TV series titles, of course, The Saint, and ran from 1962-1969. The last incarnation of The Saint was done in 1997 and starred Val Kilmer at Templar.