Universal Pictures is in early talks with Dwayne Johnson to star in their adaptation of Robert Ludlum's novel The Janson Directive. The studio is currently seeking writers for the project, and if a deal is made with Dwayne Johnson, he will also produce.

The project has been in development at Universal since October 2011, when John Hlavin (Underworld Awakening, Risk) signed on to write the script, but that was the last we heard about The Janson Directive.

The story centers on Paul Janson, a former Navy SEAL and spy for the government agency Consular Operations, who leaves the agency after a number of sanctioned serial killings. He becomes a private security consultant, teaming up with a sharpshooter, striving to help only those who are in need, although he must uncover a vast conspiracy when he is targeted for assassination. No production schedule was given.

Sources claim that Universal views this as a Jason Bourne-esque franchise. This shouldn't come as a surprise since author Robert Ludlum created the Bourne character in his books The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, which were adapted into a hit movie trilogy starring Matt Damon.

Dwayne Johnson is busier than ever, currently shooting the 3D disaster movie San Andreas, after recently wrapping production on Fast & Furious 7. The actor will next be seen in Hercules, arriving in theaters July 25, and he is also prepping to return as Roadblock in G.I. Joe 3, which will be an expanded role.