Are you a big fan of the Matt Damon action series based on the character of Jason Bourne? Than you might be disappointed to hear that the film might not be happening. The Wrap is reporting that Paul Greengrass, who helmed Supremacy and Ultimatum, has walked away from the new project after a disagreement with Universal. According to the news source, Greengrass wanted to push the film back and the studio wants to get it out as soon as they can. Isn’t this always the case?
Personally, I think a change in director could be a good thing for the series. I prefer Doug Liman’s The Bourne Identity, and felt like Greengrass’ shaky camera sequels never quite reached the level of the first one. I’d be interested to see what Liman would do if the studio brought him back into the mix. Another director, someone removed from the series, could bring fresh ideas to the table.
But will Matt Damon come back with a new director? He has stated in the past that he’d only do a fourth Bourne film with Greengrass, but that could have just been “Hollywood” talk. Remember when Arnold wouldn’t do a Terminator sequel without James Cameron, then the studio offered him more money than could be spent in a lifetime? Yeah, I can see that happening again here.
What do you think? Would you be up for a new Bourne flick without Greengrass? Which of the Bourne movies is your favorite?
Paul Greengrass and Universal Pictures have issued a statement regarding Greengrass’ exit from the movie; “You won’t find a more devoted supporter of the Bourne franchise than me. I will always be grateful to have been the caretaker to Jason Bourne over the course of The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. I’m very proud of those films and feel they express everything I most passionately believe about the possibility of making quality movies in the mainstream. My decision to not return a third time as director is simply about feeling the call for a different challenge. There’s been no disagreement with Universal Pictures. The opportunity to work with the Bourne family again is a difficult thing to pass up, but we have discussed this together and they have been incredibly understanding and supportive. I’ve been lucky enough to have made four films for Universal, and our relationship continues. Jason Bourne existed before me and will continue, and I hope to remain involved in some capacity as the series moves on.”
I’ve barely watched any of the first one. It seemed like everytime I turned around another one of these was coming out for a while. Not a Matt Damon fan.
I enjoyed all three of the films. Lots of action. Some intrigue. A little upper thigh through the slit on a Europeon babe’s short skirt. That’s what action movies are all about.
Well, now Matt Damon is speaking about it. He still will not do Bourne 4 without Greengrass, but he thinks the director will be interested in doing it in the future; “Paul’s got to go to work, you know? He’s ready to do another job, and it wasn’t the right job now. I get it. I wouldn’t do it without him but I don’t feel like he’s done with it totally. I think he’d change his mind if a good script came along. If there was a great Bourne idea, he would love to do it. It’s a big part of his life, too. We’re still going to keep working together — and hopefully on another Bourne movie too.”