Update! : The Hollywood Reporter says the “Pirates of the Caribbean” actress has officially entered negotiations to play Chris Pine’s Mrs in the “Jack Ryan” reboot. Knightley plays Ryan’s wife Cathy in the film.

Previously…

The role of Cathy Ryan, Jack Ryan’s long-suffering girlfriend cum wife in the Jack Ryan flicks, is seemingly the most highly-coveted role around, well, Melrose right now.

Paramount are auditioning a handful of known beauties for the role of the “Jack Ryan” female lead, with Keira Knightley the most prominent among the bunch.

Among those hoping to smooch Chris Pine on screen are Knightley, Felicity Jones (“Like Crazy”) and Evangenine Lily (“Real Steel”). Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale, of Sony’s “Total Recall” redo, both met with the studio to discuss the role but have since pulled their hats from the ring.

Whoever wins the role will be required to play the role in two further pictures, so franchise-phobic lasses need not apply.

The role of Cathy Ryan was previously played by Gates McFadden (“The Hunt for Red October”), Anne Archer (“Patriot Games”, “Clear and Present Danger”) and Bridget Moynahan (“The Sum Of All Fears”).