Iron Man writers Art Marcum and Matt Holloway will adapt Robert Ludlum's thriller The Sigma Protocol for Universal, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The film, based on one of the last books written by Jason Bourne creator Ludlum, will focus on an economist who becomes an assassination target. Aided by a disowned US intelligence agent, he uncovers a conspiracy to control the global economy and world events.

Universal previously tried to make the film with Secuestro Express helmer Jonathan Jakubowicz.

Marcum and Holloway recently agreed to pen a remake of Highlander.