While at the time it may have appeared that the Bourne films; which focussed on the exploits of amnesiac ex-assassin Jason Bourne (Matt Damon, The Departed), as he attempted to uncover details above his past, and avoid being hunted and killed by his nefarious ex-employers (a black ops branch of the C.I.A.); finished with the last installment in the trilogy; The Bourne Ultimatum; however a fourth film has been in development for quite sometime, and has just found its director.
Unlike the first three films, the development of the fourth film in the Bourne franchise (which was adapted from the classic spy novels written by Robert ludlum) hasn’t been a smooth road; as it’s undergone several different script revisions, and a good deal uncertainty regarding the questionable return of Paul Greengrass (who directed the other films, and also worked with Matt Damon on Green Zone); although it now looks like things are moving ahead, and that Paul Greengrass definitely won’t be returning, as Tony Gilroy has just signed on to direct the next feature.
Gilroy’s been involved with the franchise for quite sometime, as a writer, and as he is the latest person to have scripted the new film (which will be titled The Bourne Legacy), he’s in the perfect position to make the movie he wants, and see his vision finally realized (as he was reported to have had issues with the earlier films).
But even with Gilroy signing on, and completing the script, it’s not plain sailing for Bourne; as there’s no word on whether or not Matt Damon will return (since he’s previously stated that he wouldn’t dive back into the role unless the story was excellent, and it treated the character properly; i.e. not having him lose his memory again, or return to working for the government); and if he doesn’t, whether the studio will attempt to sign a new actor to play him, or find a way to write in a new agent.
Frank Marshall will reprising his role as a producer, and waiting to hear if Damon will be returning, so that a shooting schedule could finally be worked out, and that Universal may be able to get it ready for release in 2012 (which was the studio’s original plan, but may end up being a bit of a stretch).
