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Greengrass & Damon's Final Word on Bourne - They're Done!

by Alex Billington
February 26, 2010
Source: ComingSoon

Well, it's over with those two at least, but a prequel may still get made. If you've been reading this site over the last six months or so, a lot has happened with the Bourne franchise. Last we heard at the beginning of February, director Paul Greengrass was still gone, and so was Matt Damon without him, but Universal was considering making a prequel before convincing these two to return. But now it sounds like there is no return and its only a prequel. Greengrass and Damon talked with press this weekend (via ComingSoon) for Green Zone and gave their final word on the Bourne franchise. And it doesn't sound too good. Read on!

First is Paul Greengrass, who explains what went through his mind while initially working on Bourne 4.

"Listen, I just love the Bourne franchise, number one, and I owe it a great deal, and I gave my all on the two films that I made," he began, "But when I was honest with myself last Autumn, and I was starting to get going on other things, you just come to a point where you realize you've done it. You don't have anything more to contribute to a franchise that needs to continue obviously, and in order to continue, a franchise needs to be rebooted and reenergized by new perspectives. I just felt that I'd done it, and there's nothing unnatural about that."

"In the end, contrary to reports, there was never an argument with the studio of any kind at all. I did spend some time thinking that I might (do it) and getting myself to a place of 'what would it be?' and it's only when you do that where you find, 'You know what? I'm gone. I'm onto other things.' I explained (it) to them. We had a very nice discussion--they were completely understanding--and I said 'We'll make some other movies.' They said 'Excellent.'"

So it sounds like Universal wanted Paul Greengrass to do this sequel or there wouldn't be a sequel. I don't know why they wouldn't line-up some backup directors just incase, but apparently once Greengrass was out, this meant the death of the sequel, and the birth of the prequel, for better or worse. They also talked with Matt Damon, who gave them this fascinating tidbit:

"I think they have a good way to do a prequel with someone else, and basically make it about the Bourne identity, the actual identity…. He's resolved his issues now. He's got his memory back three times now. I don't think anybody wants to see me say 'I don't remember' again, but I think what we could do is that you can do some movies with another actor, anyone, whether it's Ryan Gosling or Russell Crowe or Denzel Washington, and he's Jason Bourne, and at the end of his one or two or three movies, you see them getting ready to pass the identity onto me, so it just becomes like 007, it becomes the name that they give this certain person who is uniquely positioned. So then if Paul and I come back and do a fourth one in ten years, we'll pass it onto someone else and then the thing can kind of go on."

Now that's an interesting idea and certainly one I can get behind. However, I don't think Universal is smart enough to follow through with something like that. In fact, they're the ones who screwed it up and got it to where it was right now, so why should I believe that they could get things back on the right track? The only people I have faith in are producer Frank Marshall and Greengrass/Damon - who are now gone. The sad thing is that this is something we should've written in late 2007 after The Bourne Ultimatum first came out. They wasted so much time and money trying to work on another sequel when we were all satisfied with the way Bourne Ultimatum ended. Now, three years later, we're finally confirming that another won't happen.

We'll let you know if anything happens regarding this prequel over at Universal, but for now it sounds like the Bourne franchise is going quiet. I like Damon's idea for making this like James Bond, but we'll have to see if that actually happens. Stay tuned! Are you happy or sad to see this franchise end like this?

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28 Comments

thank god this is one of the very few trilogies that weren't ruined leave it be it was great how it ended

nelson on Feb 26, 2010

lol if they do the prequel... Bourne Yesterday.

JP on Feb 26, 2010

Good they don't need to make anymore. Don't they already pretty much explain what happens before he loses his memory anyway? Come on Greengrass, don't you have better things to do than just run Jason Bourne into the ground? Enough is enough.

B-han on Feb 26, 2010

greengrass needs a super hero film imo he should do daredevil

nelson on Feb 26, 2010

Bring Doug Liman back. He needs a hit.

Mathieu on Feb 26, 2010

If there is a Film God out there, I pray to him that they do not soil the great legacy of Bourne by making a prequel.

Pale Paul on Feb 26, 2010

I agree w/ #1, a solid trilogy w/ a solid ending. Move on. Green Zone looks like Bourne 4 anyway so that should satiate the Damon/Greengrass collaboration for now. #3..."Come on Greengrass, don't you have better things to do than just run Jason Bourne into the ground? Enough is enough." Did you read the post? #4, Greengrass on Daredevil...very interesting. I like it!

Evo on Feb 26, 2010

Greengrass/Damon/Leonardo To do Prisoners That would be great Bale should be in there to

Loser on Feb 26, 2010

#2. "Bourne yesterday" thats a funny title. LOL.. #3 "Come on Greengrass, don't you have better things to do than just run Jason Bourne into the ground? Enough is enough." I agree with #7. Didnt you read the post? to #6 i hope so to. But, i wouldnt mind seeing a prequel if it was done properly. I cant imagine ryan gosling doing it. But, then again, who knows? And, btw.. i'm not suggesting ryan gosling. I'm only saying what matt damon said.

LC on Feb 26, 2010

Im sorry but I dont think Greengrass is nearly as good as everyone thinks he is...not to mention his action scenes are freakin nauseating.

Cody on Feb 26, 2010

#2 Hilarious, and #4 good idea

Brian on Feb 26, 2010

I'm happy about the news because I love the Bourne movies. They started well and end well.

Cindy on Feb 26, 2010

It is better this way. The trilogy was great. The story is completed...Jason has remembered and got revenge.

var2apo on Feb 26, 2010

this is good news. there doesn't need to be more "bourne" movies.

beavis on Feb 26, 2010

they really need to stop making awkward 4th movies, I'm glad these guys just turned the studio down great call

Scott McHenry on Feb 26, 2010

Paul Greengrass should have directed "Watchmen". I still can't forgive Universal for pulling the plug on the project at the last minute. IMO the film version of the brilliant novel needed an artist brave enough to streamline the material and deviate from it stylistically. While keeping the essence of Moore's narrative Paul Greengrass would have strived for a realistic vision of the alternative historical universe. It could have been an evocative, visceral masterpiece devoid of any glaring, distancing artifice. A potential masterpiece. I hope that in the future the director will manage to realise every project he sets his sights on. More power to him. He's finished with Bourne.

Marty on Feb 27, 2010

Jason Bourne is not 007..and should never, ever become like 007. The storyline had a purpose and it has been accomplished. Jason Bourne has escaped his past. It's over. No more sequels and no more prequels. Jason Bourne was Matt Damon.

MajesticXIII on Feb 27, 2010

#14 Well, you're right, we don't need more Bourne movies. But no, it's not a good thing. This doesn't mean we won't see more Bourne movies, it just means we'll see another Bourne movie but with a subpar recast. If I have to be subjected to another Bourne ride, I'd at least like it to be from the same cast and production team.

Craig on Feb 27, 2010

I'm happy the franchise has come to an end. Ultimatum had a wonderful open ending. A sequel on that will ruin it all.

Robbie on Feb 27, 2010

i loved damon as bourne.LOVED. but if they decide to do another one,or two,or three more movies the only and perfect candidate,and the only one that i would watch is chris hemsworth.he has that look,he really is great and he will be huge after thor and avengers movies.

kure on Feb 27, 2010

I liked the films but I can't stand Greengrass and the shaky cam, theres nothing respectable about it.

DiR3cT on Feb 27, 2010

Matt Damon is brilliant. The dude just gave Universal its 007, and they don't even realize it.

Darunia on Feb 27, 2010

Personally, I'd rather the franchise end on the BOURNE ULTIMATUM's high note than see it drag on and on. I always had a feeling that Damon and Greengrass weren't all that keen on a sequel, and this bears that out. Plus, Damon has plenty of other projects to keep him busy, so it's not like he needs this franchise to continue.

Corran Horn on Feb 27, 2010

I'm happy. The movies are based on Robert Ludlum's books. That makes the decision pretty easy if you ask me. There were only 3 books written until Hollywood smelled money and had someone else write more Bourne adventures to keep the films going. No need for more, plus as someone noted besides character names "The Greenzone" looks like it could have been the 4th movie.

theotherbluth on Feb 27, 2010

Without Matt Damon, Paul Greengrass at the helm of Bourne the franchise might has well be dead.

Cineprog on Feb 28, 2010

I am kind of sad just because I liked the franchise. I think Matt and Paul had the best intentions for the saga.

Barnaby Barrilla on Feb 28, 2010

Mr. Greengrass is a dumbass if he can't play on government (C.I.A.) meddling when the Government should be saving tax payers some money

Foumarr on Apr 22, 2011

okay guys but if " bourne yesterday" will not click and if greegrass & damon ever decide to bring back "the" legacy it truly deserves, how about a revival titlle of " bourne again" ????....no offense meant bro christians!

bpbaujr on Apr 23, 2011

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