Will Matt Damon return as Jason Bourne?
Universal Pictures has decided to reactivate their cash cow character, Jason Bourne, after a seven-year hiatus. However, this may not be good news for fans of the series as the new movie won't be directed by Paul Greengrass, and Matt Damon might also not be included.
The renowned series of films, inspired by the novels of Robert Ludlum, was initially supposed to be a trilogy, but its success led producers to continue the project. There were, in total, four parts starring Matt Damon. Paul Greengrass directed the final three.
The franchise proved profitable for the studio, prompting them to create a cinematic universe. A spin-off called "The Bourne Legacy" featured Jeremy Renner and a series, "Treadstone," was developed but was canceled after the first season.
The new Jason Bourne project has already found its director. Universal Pictures announced that German Edward Berger, creator of the four-time Oscar-winning film "All Quiet on the Western Front" is taking on the role. There's a high likelihood that Berger will be capable of handling this challenge, yet fans were hoping for a return of Paul Greengrass.
Greengrass's absence as director likely means that Matt Damon will not appear in the film. The Hollywood star has repeatedly stated in interviews that he would reprise his role for the fifth Bourne installment, but only if Paul Greengrass was involved. This unexpected news series has disappointed fans and made them apprehensive about the new project.
The four main parts of Jason Bourne filmed between 2002 and 2016, grossed nearly $1.4 billion at the box office. The studio hopes to replicate this past success, but without Damon and Greengrass, achieving this goal seems daunting.
