Hollywood Popular Artists

Aug 2nd 2012, 15:39

Chris Pine might soon be getting a wife in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming Jack Ryan film.

Hot off the news that Branagh will play the movie's main villain as well as direct the project, a shortlist of actresses being considered for the female lead has been released. Keira Knightley, Felicity Jones and Evangeline Lilly are all being eyed to star as Ryan's future wife in the new movie, with Kightley being said to be the front-runner. Whichever actress gets the part could potentially be signed up for a trilogy.

Apparently Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel were both in discussions for the role as well, but that has fallen through. Fortunately they both have another little film called "Total Recall" coming out this weekend that could turn into a franchise in its own right.

Deadline broke the news and is saying that this part will be "high profile." Considering the fact that some previous Jack Ryan films have skimped on parts for the ladies, it sounds like whoever gets cast as this movie's female lead will likely have a beefed up role.

Knightley is the biggest of these three stars right now, so it makes sense why she would be the one being considered the frontrunner. Though she already has a big action franchise under her belt ("Pirates of the Caribbean"), Knightley has seemed to steer away from big budget films for the sake of indies and period dramas in recent years. Meanwhile, "Like Crazy" star Jones and "Lost" leading lady Lilly are both on the rise, with Lilly likely to break out later this year to some degree thanks to her role in "The Hobbit" films.

In the past, Anne Archer, Gates McFadden and Bridget Moynahan have played the role of Ryan's wife, Any of these three actresses on the shortlist would be a good replacement, but I personally have a soft spot for Jones. Her performance in "Like Crazy" blew me away, and she could definitely hold her own against a heavy hitter like Pine. She just needs a chance to really prove her stuff.

Which of these actresses do you think will be best for the role? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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