The Bourne Legacy, the long-gestating fourth installment in Universal’s popular spy franchise, finally started gaining traction last week when it was announced that Tony Gilroy had signed on to direct the film.
Gilroy wrote all three previous Bourne films and was hired back in June to write a new script for the latest entry. The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum director Paul Greengrass decided early on he wasn’t interested in carrying on with the series and without him calling the shots, star Matt Damon threatened to jump ship as well.
Some predicted that The Bourne Legacy might be a prequel or a reboot while others suggested that the series could simply continue on with a new actor in the lead role. Well, Gilroy recently spoke with Hollywood Elsewhere to clarify whether or not Damon will be involved and to explain how his film will tie-in with its predecessors.
Unfortunately for fans, it seems Damon is definitely not returning. However, they’re not recasting the part either. Gilroy explains:
“This is not a reboot or a recast or a prequel. No one’s replacing Matt Damon. There will be a whole new hero, a whole new chapter… this is a stand-alone project.”
He also confirms that while The Bourne Legacy borrows its title from a novel by Eric Lustbader, it’s a completely original story. So how exactly does he justify keeping the name Bourne in the title when the character isn’t in the film?
Although it’s not a particularly satisfying course of action, my initial assumption was that the Jason Bourne alias would simply be passed on to a different operative. Apparently, that’s not the case:
“The easiest way to think of it is an expansion or a reveal … Jason Bourne will not be in this film, but he’s very much alive. What happened in the first three films is the trigger for what happens. I’m building a legend and an environment and a wider conspiracy…the world we’re making enhances and advances and invites Jason Bourne’s return [down the road].”
Matt Damon as he will NOT appear in 'The Bourne Legacy'
I’m not sure how I feel about The Bourne Legacy acting as a cinematic placeholder while Damon decides if he’s ever going to play the part again, but Gilroy does make it sound like there is a very deliberate and calculated trajectory for the future of this franchise:
“Everything you saw in the first three films actually happened, and everyone who got into will be rewarded for paying attention. We’re going to show you the bigger picture, the bigger canvas. When you see what we’re going and see what we’re doing it’ll be pretty obvious.”
It’s a somewhat unexpected move, but perhaps Gilroy realized what a monumental task it would have been to recast that role. As interesting as this approach sounds, I just can’t get over the fact that they’re about to make a Bourne movie without Jason Bourne. Still, this is a safe way to preserve the closure of Ultimatum and deliver a film that’s equal parts sequel and spin-off.
I’m not sure how necessary another Bourne movie really is, but Gilroy is the sole factor preventing me from being totally dismissive of this project. I’m incredibly curious to see how he adapts his own screenplay and I’m confident that he’s capable of delivering something unique and relevant while still respecting the other films in the franchise.
And then I go right back to thinking that this is a Bourne film without Jason Bourne. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
What are your thoughts on Gilroy’s approach to The Bourne Legacy?
Source: Hollywood Elsewhere.
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i remember-but that was before Mr. Owen was a household name…I’m sure not everyone remembers him being in the first flick…Karl Urban was alot more memorable..Tony Gilroy did mention a twist to it so…
“Bourne Again”
See what I did there?
I think the main point really is that Matt Damon played David Webb whereas as Jason Bourne was a government creation run amok.
A Legacy that won’t go away is a great thorn in the side for any government plot line in a movie.
I agree with what you said that makes alot of sense
Other films in the franchise to look forward to
Bourne To Run
Bourne Free
Bourne In The Usa
and finally ending the Franchise
The Bourne Redundancy
HA! That was good. They should’ve just kept going with the books IMO
I am personaly looking forward to a 4th Bourne movie being made, but without Matt Damon?? He was one of the factors that made the three films as good as they were. I don’t know how they’re going to pull this off without the main character being involved in the movie. All I gotta say is, I hope it doesnt suck and wreck the past three great Bourne movies.
Not having Jason Bourne in a movie called the Bourne Legacy? That’s like making a movie called “the adventures of Mike” and not having anyone named Mike in the movie.
DUMB DUMB DUMB
It’s like Bambi without a dear!!! Lassie without a dog! What the hell are they thinking? And whats next? Ben Afleck gonna play the lead? That wouldnt suprise me!!!
oh here’s some money.. but it’s monopoly money.
I am sorry but I can’t imagine anyone in place of Matt, at present I couldn’t think of anyone who could make those moves in walking, fighting, focussing and thinking like Matt…hopefully jason returns…we will have to wait…
Turns out Jeremy Renner is playing the lead. Not a big fan of his acting. Ed Norton as the villain is intriguing however.
I am very frustrated that the actror is not the same. Some tryed this before whit other movies and these movies absuolutly … I will probably wait for it to come on tv now, instead of going to the movies to see it. sincirealy a pokemon movie will be better then this. it is very hard to do this with out profanity or attacks.
Totally agree with you. I have watched the Bourne trilogy countless times. All I can ask is…. “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING??!!!!”
How is it possible to have a Bourne film without Bourne. Offer Greengrass and Damon $100 million each! C’mon guys! You just can’t have a Bourne movie without Bourne.
Soooooooooooooooooooooo disappointed!
what the hell no matt damon??? i dont think ill watch it then… not even tinsy winsy appearance?? screw that… matt damon is hot
You are 100 % correct this is absolutely crazy. I hope it fails so they realize how bad they fudged up
wahhh! I’m really disappointed that Matt Damon’s not gonna be in this movie. I’m not excited for this film anymore. Now I’m just praying that it doesn’t suck as much as it will. ;(
I’m not gonna watch this movie even though there’s a lot of scenes will be shoot in my country. I want Matt Damon back! I want Jason Bourne back! I want David Webb back! not Jeremy Renner nor Aaron Cross!!
No Matt as Bourne? Not interested!!!
Superman 4 but wait superman is on vacation so we will have the movie with Lois Lane, that would work. They could have make a prequel that would have been much more interesting.