Matt Damon Confirms Bourne 4 Is In Progress
Mar 15, 2009 by Ross MillerThe Bourne trilogy is one of hell of a kick ass set of films, with each film getting progressively more intense and exciting. The character …
The Bourne trilogy is one of hell of a kick ass set of films, with each film getting progressively more intense and exciting. The character of Jason Bourne is pretty much the blueprint for modern action men (yes, even more than Bond) and will go down in cinematic history as such.
But with The Bourne Ultimatum director Paul Greengrass (who helmed the second and third, but not the first), star Matt Damon and everyone else involved made a fantastic part three in the series, one which simultaneously left things ambiguous and yet still closed off the series in an entirely satisfying and fitting way.
But you know that since the three films combined made a few dozen million under a whopping $1 billion worldwide (with the third one alone making over $400 million), that they are going to at least entertain the idea of doing another one (in fact, news came out last year that Universal had bought the complete rights to the Bourne character, as well as first look options on other Robert Ludlum books). With the ambiguous way Ultimatum ended, it has left the door open for them to go back to the series for another go at it.
It was already confirmed last year that another Bourne film was on the way, and that Damon and Greengrass would be returning (after them swearing left, right and center that there wouldn’t be another). But it’s always great to hear it from the horses mouth (so to speak), so via an interview with Parade Magazine Matt Damon confirmed that a Bourne 4 is definitely already being worked on:
Q: Is it official that you’ll return as Jason Bourne for a fourth time?
A: We’re working on it. This time it would be from an original script rather than a book by Robert Ludlum. But the director, Paul Greengrass, is busy and I am too, so we’ll see what happens.
Q: Are you ready to be Bourne again?
A: Listen, when I did the first movie, I was 29 years old. I am 37 now, and after a tough fighting scene, the next day you wake up and feel your body more. That’s just the way it is.
It seems that apart from both Damon and Greengrass working on other things, it’s the fact that Damon is a little bit older than he was when he first played the character back in 2002, that’s a point of concern for him. Clearly the man is in great shape as he showed in Ultimatum (among other films), but it’s true that when you get older, even if your mind is ready for a full day’s physical work, your body might not be.
When I saw The Bourne Ultimatum in the theater, I walked out wholly satisfied with the way they wrapped up the series, leaving you wanting more but at the same time happy that it was the end of the trilogy. But it’s been a couple of years since we saw Jason Bourne on the big screen and I must admit I am now all for a fourth film. There’ve been some good action films since Ultimatum’s release but Bourne always gave us action plus intelligence, and I think another film would not only make serious bank like the first three, but also would be a project welcomed by fans and critics alike.
Of course since this film wouldn’t be based on any of the books by Robert Ludlum (which the first three were), it might not turn out to be as good as the others. It’ll be interesting to see if they will try and replicate the spirit of the first three or if they’ll put an entirely different spin on it. I suspect a combination of the two.
So even though this isn’t an announcement saying Damon and Greengrass have everything worked out and that shooting is going to begin soon, it’s still some sort of confirmation that it is happening – and I’m very pleased.
Do you think there should be a Bourne 4? Or is it best left at just the three?
Source: Parade
Around the web:
Loading ...
this is greaty news, bourne ultamaitum was an awesome film.
To each his own, I didn’t really like the way Ultimatum wrapped up the series. But, again, that’s just personal preference. It was still one badass movie, and loads better than some of the stuff Bond has put out.
Making a quick note, Ross, I’m not sure if you read the books but the 2nd and 3rd films are NOTHING like the books Ludlum wrote. In fact, it’s not even the same storyline through the trilogy. The first one was even just a very small portion of the first book that Ludlum wrote, expanded into a story of its own. In the books, Bourne’s lady (killed in the beginning of the 2nd film) is alive and they even have kids.
Nonetheless, the movies stand on their own I’d say, pretty good altogether.
@Tyler Hayes,
Oh really? I didn’t realise, having not read the books. That kind of is good to hear since going their own direction is what they’ve done from pretty much the start.
I love the idea of a 4th Bourne flick. The others were so much fun to watch. I wanted to pick up the trilogy on DVD, but I am going to wait until I get Blu-Ray and hopefully get them on Blu-Ray instead. Hopefully they keep all the elements of the first 3 movies intact and they should be ok.
Oh god when is it going to end? lol
It’s so rare for a movie to make a trilogy and be good all the way through. Bourne was able to do that lets hope they can get a great fourth one out there. I am excited, but I really hope they stop at four anything after that would be over kill and Matt would be to old at that point I would think.
Just my opinion, but I’ve never really liked them too much. The style of the fight scenes are horrible, he just flings his arms and then they do some fast camera cuts and all of a sudden everyone around him are down. They did something similar in Taken but minus the fast cuts, so you can see him hitting the vital areas such as the throat, groin, etc. etc. so it was a little more believable at least. With the Bourne movies (much like it was in Quantum of Solace) it’s just arms and legs flailing, some sound effects, and then it’s all over. Kind of annoying. And I’ve never really been a big fan of the whole conspiracy theory stuff in general. But that’s just my own opinion, some people love conspiracy movies.
The only movie about conspiracies that I thought was kind of entertaining was the movie Conspiracy Theory with Mel Gibson, but that’s only because it was kind of a joke movie making fun of conspiracy theories. At least that’s how I saw it, lol.
I was just going to say along the same lines.
While I enjoyed the Bourne movies, I never understood the awe they were held in. The heavy editing in fights left me never convinced that Damon was some kind of super-killer, the way someone like Jet Li or Wesley Snipes could (for obvious reasons).
I always preferred the ‘company’ side and the dark secrets. I also wanted to know more about the other agents, like Clive Owen in the first one.
Damon was too stoney-faced for me. That might be how the character is meant to be, but I never felt involved.
If Greengrass is in then should be up to standard, but I’m surprised they are still going on this one.
Like I say, enjoyed the trilogy (would like to read the books some day, sounds more interesting) but seeing Bourne was never defining for me personally.
I don’t think you have to worry about this one other any of the others, they didn’t take much from the books anyway, just his name, the name Marie, and the name Treadstone, that’s about it.
over any of the others*
enjoyed the first, didn’t like the second, LOVED the third.
I loved all 3, so I’m all for a 4th.
Well somehow I didn’t like how the third one ended. It should have been final imo. On the one hand I’m very curious to see how the character and storyline progresses. On the other hand I am worried about how little there is left for Bourne to pursue, since he somehow completed his personal goals in his own style.
I can only hope, that they will make a decent movie and have less hectic camera movement, like it was in the third part. The hectic camera movements were totally *bleh*.
IF Rambo & Rocky had so many successful sequels w/nothing but grunts, mumbled dialogues & poorly choreographed fight scenes… why NOT Bourne sequels w/chase scenes & the lead character whupping behinds? It’s like 007 + Simon Templar (The Saint) + To Catch a Thief all wrapped up on one. I’d like to see Bourne finally retire to some unknown remote isle w/a small fortune to his name. Matt Damon should take a few months to work out & get into shape so he won’t feel the aches & pains of action scenes after a life that ain’t too athletic to begin with! I’d love to see at least 10 sequels!
At first I was skeptical about a 4th film. Can they really make 4 good movies? The more I think about it the more it seems possible. If they can make another amazing movie than this Bourne story will go do as phenomenal. I don’t think people realize how difficult it is to make a third film awesome (they did that) and now they are shooting for a fourth. I think they’ll get it done.
I thought the Bournes series was pretty damn good. I would say the first and third films being my favorite, without taking away fromt he second..if that is possible. My biggest worry is that in a bid to continue a franchise, they will destroy the Bourne series by making a bad story based on fights and car chases. I am not sure what Bourne has left to chase or fight. He regained his memory..avenged the death of his woman, and saved the world from tyranny (somehow it sounded likr the right thing to add).
Personaly, I liked the chaotic fights. You can kinda feel the confusion and tension that a fight brings, there are no clean cut punches and kicks. Just chaos and shit flying everywhere. I look forward to the 4th film, just please take the time to make it good, don’t rush it.
@Jay
I disagree with the fights, only the camera is chaotic, the actual fight seems like he is in perfect control of every millisecond and one or two hits is enough to put someone down for good. Yah yah, I know about pressure points and “oh he’s a bad ass secret agent” and blah blah blah, but come on, have you been in a real fight? You don’t just karate chop someone in the side of the head and knock them out like a light? The fighting in Casino Royale is more like how real fights are…
I really want to see more of him and that girl, Nicky Parsons. The film clearly indicated that they had some kind of history, but didn’t reveal any of it. As much as I love action and conspiricy, I can be a sucker for the whole romantic relationships too. Anyone else agree?
Only the first movie was based on the book – the other two are original stories with Ludlum’s titles only. So I’m not worried about the fourth film suddenly falling off the deep end.
Bourne Identity and Supremacy were really great in how they had this aura of subtle sophistication around them and how they weaved facts into the narrative incrementally. Ultimatum to me is average at best since it is not creative. In Supremacy, Matt Damon, travels different coutries with normal public transport and shows upat random places, and in the end (like in Identity) shows up, creeps up on the other person and then surprises them with his relative stealthiness. They repeat ALL that in Ultimatum in a sequential manner, only this time they had way too many explosions, chases and continents to spice it up. Ultimatum was average. Thank Doug Liman for making part Identity so good that Greengrass could (rip) take it forward from there. Bourne 4 will undoubtedly suck.
What a nicely written blog piece! Thank you! I agree with you–I’d like to see a fourth but the third wrapped things up adequately. It’s all entertainment, so whatever happens is fine. Nothing much at stake.
I think it’s kind of retarded. I really dislike the idea of a 4th Bourne movie!
It’s not because the first three weren’t good – The Bourne Identity is an amazing movie and I really was fascinated by the idea, the story and the action. It would have worked on it’s own but the sequels were amazingly good, too. Progressing in tension and action. They led to a logical ending. It was so satisfying to put an end to the story, that he never got caught! – It’s not that I didn’t like every minute of the movies, no they are among my very favourite movies, it is because the story already has an end and it’s the best imaginable!
All that is left gives you space to imagine it and all you see in the end is Bourne getting away.
If you ask me they cannot give the story any better ending and the only reason they are filming a 4th movie is for commercial reasons – they want more money!
They should leave a serious piece of art behind and not use it in lack of new ideas.
But as they are filming it anyway, I think many fans and critics will be curious what the movie will be like. I for myself don’t know whether I want to see the movie and spoil the trilogy or not.
Consider this before you watch the movie please.
Thank you.
– In appreciation of the first three films -
I would like to see 20 Bourne films.
If audiences can survive who knows how many mind numbing Bond films, and 10 or so different Bonds, we surely can survive the intrigue of Bourne for 30 + years or so can’t we? Bourne is a quantum leap better than Bond and even a very bad Bourne film would entertain me a thousands times more than the “best” Bond. The biggest problem of course would be trying to replace Matt. I can’t think of anyone in Hollywood right now who could portray the intensity, intelligence and strength that Damon does.
yes i will
I have been looking forward to seeing the new Jason Bourne film since noticing on IMDB.com that it was in the pipeline sometime back. The first was a massive leap away from the usual spy genre, and it followed the first book fairly well, although they moved the plot away from the cold war. The second film was not much like the second book and was still awesome. The third book and movie were very different (apart from Bourne fighting his nemesis, which brought an end to it nicely) but the movie was arguably the best, so personally I am not worried, I think the fourth installment will be good. Both Greengrass and Damon are very intelligent, I can’t see them ruining the franchise just for the sake of making another Bourne film, unlike the Bond series. Also, if Frank Marshall is involved again the action should be on par with Ultimatum. But Matt, you gotta keep in shape man, back to the Bourne from Supremacy, we can watch a fat Bourne for Petes sake!
I love the trilogy. My only problem is the 3rd instalment was not as smooth as the 1st two. And also Paul Greegrass idea,by trying making, Bourne & Nikki ex-lovers,when they absolutely had no connection at all in the 1st two movies. And also Paul Greegrass, tried to make Bourne look profesional in Ultimatum…when clearly he already was. Remember that fantastic comment about Bourne,from Danny Zorn,(BOURNE WOULD KNOW)when he was trying to explaint about the explosives to David Abbott…who eventually killed him right there…? Then Paul Greengrass,killed Mary on Supremacy? I just don’t know what stupid ideas the director may hv this time? I hope he would consider dearly about what his audience might be thinking.
Having read all of the eric lustbader bourne books and finally reading through the original ludlum trilogy (2/3 of the way through supremacy) i can safely say that there is so much potential for bourne story lines. abbot is a name that comes up in the first book btw. It is interesting they killed conklin off in the movie trilogy so early on since he is such a vital character in the o.trilogy. Anyways, i would love to see a new movie and having read lustbaders books there are a number of different ways it could go if they were to go by something in that direction. However i wonder if anyone could do Bourne justice if it were someone different to Matt? Bond has different actors over its history and i guess people asked the same questions when connery was no longer the movie Bond?
i love all ur movies i watch bourne identity befor i go to bed every night and looking forward to the forth movie
After having read through several speculative,rumor-ridden articles of an upcoming 4th installment in the series,I won’t be convinced that a 4th one is coming,until I actually see an official advertisement of such.
Something seems really fishy about the Parade’s Matt Damon interview….first of all,I’m 40 years old and I would jump at the chance to immerse myself in a role such as this,with no reservations whatsoever, in terms of the physicality aspect of this character.
Consider this…Sylvester Stallone was approaching 60 years of age when he filmed Rocky 6,& the heavy weight lifting & cardio that he went through in his training was nothing short of BRUTAL!
If Matt Damon cannot handle the “rigors” of training for this film at 37,then he’s in serious trouble-as his career in film is all washed up,if he is in fact,that fragile.
An awful lot of folks here have a real problem with the idea of a forth Bourne film and to them I say; if you can’t be bothered with a 4th Bourne film,then why are you bothering with airing out your grievances here on this blog site?
The foundation of this story was originally set over 20 years ago and the first Bourne movie was designed to the modern day to make the story more intriguing…..so as long as the writer(s) invent a clever enough story,then the next Bourne movie will work(especially since the Bourne Ultimatum story was not completely closed off).
Let’s face it,the subject matter of this story is equally as fascinating as the Bond series(& in some ways even more so),so why not just roll with it & enjoy?
I think it would be really interesting if additional writers were brought into this 4th production…writers such as Christopher Nolan,David Goyer & David Thowy.
I think the success of the next sequel is primarily contingent on the talent of the writer,as the concept of the Bourne character is too enticing a theme to just let die.
Why should the Bond series be the only marathon sequel generator??