Jason Bourne is in the process of clearing out his safe deposit box on the Universal Studios lot, marking a potential new chapter for the storied spy franchise. On behalf of the late author Robert Ludlum's estate, WME is actively seeking a new steward for the beloved spy saga and the remainder of Ludlum's literary treasury. The objective is to relocate the franchise to a fresh home and ensure that the enigmatic superspy graces our screens with greater frequency.
Bourne was last seen almost a decade ago in the 2016 film "Jason Bourne," a collaboration between Universal and Captivate Entertainment, which holds the cinematic rights to Ludlum's estate. It remains uncertain whether long-time protagonist Matt Damon will reprise his role in this upcoming iteration. Industry giants such as Skydance, Apple, and Netflix have reportedly engaged in discussions with the estate regarding the rights, while Universal itself stands a chance at reclaiming the franchise with an enticing bid.
Bourne's origins trace back to novelist Robert Ludlum, who introduced the world to him in 1980's "The Bourne Identity." Two decades later, Damon and director Doug Liman brought Bourne to life on the big screen with the 2002 adaptation, heralding a new epoch of spy cinema that prioritized realism over high-tech gadgetry, preceding Daniel Craig's gritty reboot of James Bond in "Casino Royale."
This cinematic universe flourished with two sequels based on Ludlum's novels: "The Bourne Ultimatum" (2004) and "The Bourne Supremacy" (2007). Universal attempted to expand the franchise with "The Bourne Legacy," featuring Jeremy Renner as a different character in 2012, but it failed to capture the same magic. Damon returned a few years later with "Jason Bourne," which amassed $415 million worldwide.
As the scramble for intellectual properties intensifies, with an ever-dwindling pool of recognizable names up for grabs, Amazon recently secured the rights to James Bond from producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Universal had entertained the notion of bringing Bourne back, hiring "Conclave" director Edward Berger in late 2023 to develop a fresh perspective, but the plans didn't materialize swiftly enough.
Now, Bourne stands at the cusp of a new adventure, poised to captivate audiences once more.
