Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: It is clear from the record cable rating and 22 Emmy noms for the History Channel miniseries Hatfields & McCoys that audiences want to see more of Kevin Costner, who starred as clan leader Devil Hatfield. Studios have certainly noticed, and Costner is being courted for a pair of big roles that could bring on a resurgence I think is overdue.

Costner, who plays Pa Kent in the Warner Bros/Legendary Superman reboot Man of Steel, has been offered the co-lead of the Kenneth Branagh-directed Jack Ryan film that will star Chris Pine. Costner’s also being courted by Luc Besson’s Europacorp to star as a dying assassin in Three Days To Kill.

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.

Related: EMMYS: Kevin Costner On ‘Hatfields & McCoys’

Three Days to Kill has a script by Adi Hasak and Besson, and like Taken, it is a contained cost drama that is set in France and is a kicking showcase for a male star. Costner has been offered the role of 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. Besson and Europacorp are producing. I’m hearing that McG is circling the project as director, with Relativity Media aboard to distribute in North America.

All Costner has to do is step up and do both. By the way, he had been mentioned in reports as being locked to star in the Niki Caro-directed McFarland, but I’ve heard that he won’t be in the movie. WME and One Talent rep Costner.