However, its franchise ambitions ultimately collapsed, leaving it as a standalone, forgotten relic of '90s action cinema. Val Kilmer as Simon Templar in The Saint Paramount PicturesThis cinematic effort drew its inspiration from a rich literary lineage created by Leslie Charteris, who first introduced the Simon Templar character in the 1928 novel Meet the Tiger. However, in the 29 years since its theatrical release, the film has undergone a major reappraisal and developed a passionate cult following. Now, nearly three decades later, The Saint is staging a surprise comeback that promises to transition the forgotten franchise experiment into a preserved cinematic legacy. It represents a vital preservation effort in an era where streaming ownership remains a notoriously fickle and highly debated subject.