BEN AFFLECK - AFFLECK REPLACED AS JACK RYAN?

Movie hunk BEN AFFLECK is reportedly facing the axe from the successful JACK RYAN franchise, after a string of box office flops.

The actor replaced veteran HARRISON FORD for the last TOM CLANCY adaptation but, according to insiders, movie bosses were unimpressed with his performance in last year's (02) THE SUM OF ALL FEARS.

Executives at PARAMOUNT are said to be "seriously reconsidering" recasting the role and dropping Affleck after being appalled by his last movie, the massive flop GIGLI.

A source tells American gossip site THE SCOOP, "It's not been a good year for him. His star has fallen considerably since Sum of All Fears - and Gigli - needless to say - did not help."

Although Paramount have denied plans to replace Affleck, a spokeswoman was unable to confirm he would definitely appear in the next film.

And a representative for Affleck says, "I have absolutely no idea (if Ben will return)."