After word came out via Deadline last Tuesday that Tony Gilroy had been signed to direct the fourth Jason Bourne film, Bourne Legacy, the next logical question being thrown about was whether or not Matt Damon would be involved.
Damon had stated he would only return if Paul Greengrass were the director, so with Gilroy’s signing it began to look like the role would have to go to someone else.
Now comes word from Hollywood Elsewhere that not only will Damon NOT be back, but neither will the character of Jason Bourne!
Tony Gilroy wanted to correct a few things that were in the original report from Deadline, and here’s what he had to say:
“It’s a completely original screenplay. 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.
“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].
“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…. but Jason Bourne’s actvities in the first three films is the immediate trigger.”
Wow, not sure how this is all going to come together. I can’t think of a franchise – especially one as high-profile as this – that has jettisoned its main character in such a fashion. If the title remains Bourne Legacy they might have a hard time selling it without Damon and Jason Bourne, so don’t be surprised if they’re forced to change it.
Thanks to Felix for the tip.
10 comments
I'm suddenly reminded of the movie Cyborg.
Interesting. I can't see them changing the title; first, because it's a big selling point having the Bourne name in the title, and second, because if the story focuses on the repercussions of Bourne's actions in "Ultimatum", then "Legacy" would be a completely appropriate title…even if the story didn't focus directly on the character of Bourne himself. We'll have to wait to see how this turns out.
Damn, I'm suddenly much less excited about this.
In the books, "Jason Bourne" is an assassin's identity used by multiple characters…all of whom went through the same training program as Damon's Bourne…so Gilroy's idea probably picks up this element that was left out of the first three movies…
This is like making a James Bond film without James Bond in it. It absolutely makes no fucking sense to keep that title if Jason Bourne is nowhere to be found in the film. Stupid!!!
They should call it Bourne Free. Get it…Bourne Free. Yeah, I crack myself up.
Gilroy is a bright guy. I trust that he'll do something interesting with the Bourne concept. There are plenty of elements and characters to branch off of. My only concern is Gilroy easing off the action and turning it into a pure puzzle picture. He needs to keep in mind that the Bourne films are adrenaline rides before anything else.
Actually this could be a great idea if done right. The title should remain the same because that's what the film is about Bourne's Legacy. Hopefully this will be good.
Ohhhh! So the guy whose scripts were re-written left and right in the trilogy has been put in charge now. Yeah, makes no fucking sense to me either. Epic fail!
Plus, you know if this movie actually turns out to be good, then there will be a conflict between Gilroy and Greengrass over who directs future installments. Which means even less of a guarantee of Damon returning. Just saying. Epic fail.
Thank you. Sweet baby Jesus, thank you. Now the originals won't be tainted.
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