It turns out that Kevin Costner could be the Nick Fury of Paramount's "Jack Ryan" film franchise going forward.

The "Man of Steel" actor is in talks to join "Jack Ryan," the as-yet-untitled next movie to be based on Tom Clancy's book series about the titular character. But Deadline is reporting that Costner is also in talks to join the spinoff franchise called "Without Remorse" as the link between the two movies.

Costner would play William Harper, a character unique to the films who is described as "a true blue American idealist who recruits and mentors both Ryan and John Kelly." While the "Jack Ryan" movie will center around Ryan, "Without Remorse" would tell the story of John Kelly, who by the end of the movie becomes the CIA operative John Clark.

Deadline also reports that Paramount is looking to Tom Hardy to play John Kelly in "Without Remorse." The actor has already proved he has action chops in movies like "Inception" and "The Dark Knight Rises," and is next starring in "Mad Max: Fury Road" as the titular character. He would be a great pick for "Without Remorse," and has already shown he has great chemistry with Pine in the romantic comedy "This Means War." Appropriately, they play two CIA agents in that film.

Following those two movies, the plan could potentially be to give Costner his own feature film as Harper. For now, we're just interested in filming for "Jack Ryan" to get underway -- and for the movie to get an official title. Kenneth Branagh is directing the project and also is playing its villain. Keira Knightley is at the top of the list to play the film's leading lady. "Without Remorse" will be directed by Christopher McQuarrie.

Do you like the plan to unify all three planned movies together through Costner's casting? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!