Paul Greengrass Might Be Done Making ‘Bourne’ Films: “I’ve Done My Stint”
Starting with 2002’sThe Bourne Identity, the Jason Bourne film franchise not only provided a vibrant new cinematic spy saga, but redefined action filmmaking as we know it. And though he didn’t direct the first installment, directorPaul Greengrassplayed a huge part in ushering in the style that would seep into mainstream action cinema by helmingThe Bourne Supremacy,The Bourne Ultimatum, and returning years later for the underwhelmingJason Bourne.
But it seems like Greengrass’sBournedays are behind him once and for all. Read his comments about the future of theBournefranchise below.
During the press rounds for his Tom Hanks-starring westernNews of the World, Greengrass was asked if he’d had any conversations with Universal about returning to theBourneworld.
“It hasn’t come up recently, so I actually don’t know what their plans are,” Greengrass toldThe Playlist. “I’m sure they’ll make moreBournemovies, I hope so. I don’t know whether I’ll be involved, but I’ve done my stint really, haven’t I? Let’s be honest. But I love aBournemovie, and I love the actor, and I wish them well, you know. The truth of it. I’d be first in line, that’s for sure.”
That certainlysoundslike he’s tapping out of making more films about Jason Bourne/David Webb, but it’s worth noting that both Greengrass and star Matt Damon were adamant that they were done with this franchise after 2007’sThe Bourne Ultimatum. (Anyone who sawJason Bourneknows that their initial instinct to walk away at that point was the correct one.) But then again, look at what happened with Sylvester Stallone and theRockyfranchise: after a significant lull withRocky V, he resurrected it withRocky Balboaand then passed it off to a new creative voice withCreed, which gave the franchise a shot in the arm. I guess if you keep milking IP for long enough, the odds of making good entries eventually go up.
The head of Universal oncepubliclysaid, “Look, here’s what I think the goal is: to keep Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass doingBournemovies till they can’t do them anymore.” It seems as if Greengrass has escaped from that creative constraint and is thriving outside of it (News of the Worldis very good!). But Hollywood loves a redemption arc, so we’ll have to see if hisBournedays are truly behind him.
