Earlier this month, we reported that Kevin Costner was circling a role in Paramount's Untitled Jack Ryan Project, as a mentor to Chris Pine's title character. Today, we have word that the actor is in negotiations to play the same character in the Jack Ryan movie and another Tom Clancy adaptation, Without Remorse.

The actor will play William Harper, a loyal patriot who recruits and mentors both Jack Ryan and John Kelly, who becomes CIA operative John Clark in Without Remorse. Paramount is backing both projects, which each have the potential to launch their own franchises.

Kenneth Branagh is directing the Untitled Jack Ryan Project and playing the villain, with Keira Knightley in talks to portray the female lead, Jack Ryan's wife. David Koepp rewrote the original script by Adam Cozad. Production is slated to begin next month.

Without Remorse isn't quite as far along as the Jack Ryan movie. We reported earlier this month that Christopher McQuarrie is reworking the script. It is possible that he may direct also, although that has not been confirmed.