Here’s an interesting bit of casting.

Prior to Alec Baldwin snagging the role of CIA analyst Jack Ryan in 1990′s “The Hunt for Red October”, Paramount had asked Kevin Costner – he was the ‘man of the moment’ back then – to take on the role. Costner passed (instead opting to make “Dances with Wolves”), leaving Baldwin to land what would become one of the best roles he’s ever had.

Twenty-two years later, Costner looks to do a Jack Ryan movie after all.

Deadline says the “Hatfields & McCoys” star is in talks to play a part in director Kenneth Branagh’s unimaginatively titled “Jack Ryan”.

I’ve heard that the Jack Ryan role is a new creation, but a close cousin to the role of CIA bigwig Admiral Greer that was played by James Earl Jones in Patriot Games. Costner’s role is being invented because Jones will likely be in the prequel, but essentially Costner would play Ryan’s mentor who recruits him and shows him the ropes.

Chris Pine plays the young Ryan in the film, with director Branagh playing a villain.

In addition, Costner (“Man of Steel”) is being courted to play a dying assassin in “Three Days to Kill”. The Europacorp production would star Costner as “Ethan Renner, a government assassin who is dying. Before he goes, he is determined to reconcile with his daughter, while taking on one final mission. Talk about a ticking clock.”

McG (“Charlie’s Angels”, “Terminator Salvation”) may direct the project.