The Playlist is reporting Paul Greengrass has bailed on directing a fourth Jason Bourne film.
The reasons given include the August revelation that Josh Zetumer was brought on by Universal to write what sounded like a completely new draft of the script following the one turned in by George Nolfi (The Bourne Ultimatum). Greengrass is said to have not been included in the decision.
Next is an apparent spat between director and studio regarding the ballooning cost of Greengrass’s upcoming war film Green Zone which has bounced all over the release schedule and is now slated for a March 12, 201o release. Word is Greengrass has been reshooting and editing the picture and the price tag has continued to go up in the process.
Considering this is another war film set in the Middle East I can certainly understand the studio’s concern. As The Playlist points out, Green Zone star Matt Damon revealed to Empire, “[Green Zone is] great, I’ve seen it. They’re finishing some of the effects, and it’ll be ready for March. We got a $100m Iraq movie, so we’ll see! I do have high hopes for it, though. I think it’s really good. I know the Iraq movies haven’t been particularly popular so far, but hopefully this will find an audience. It’s a thriller, really, set against the canvas of Iraq in 2003.” Hmmmm, a $100 million Iraq movie is not likely to excite many studio heads.
The report goes on to mention Damon’s loyalty to Greengrass, which puts the possibility of a Bourne 4 in serious jeopardy. You can get even further details by reading here.
I personally don’t see Greengrass leaving as a bad thing. I think we have gotten more than our fair share of his take on the Bourne franchise with The Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum, and some new blood wouldn’t hurt. However, if Damon isn’t coming back let’s just wrap it all up and go home. The trilogy works as is and there is really no need for another one. Do you agree?
