Matt Damon’s adventures as the amnesiac CIA agent are reportedly set to return in a sixth installment. The franchise that started with the 2002 film The Bourne Identity has continued to expand and even got a TV series titled Treadstone. Recent reports have stated that All Quiet on the Western Front director Edward Berger is in talks to direct the next installment in the series that has been in development at Universal Studios.
However, there is no certainty about the star of the franchise, Damon’s return, as the actor has stated earlier that he would only reprise his role if director Paul Greengrass is involved in production.
Matt Damon’s Only Condition to Return to The Bourne Franchise
Deadline recently broke the news that Universal Studios is planning another film in the Bourne franchise. Not much is available about the film, but the filmmaker Edward Berger is in talks to join the project as director, and the star of the franchise, Matt Damon, will be approached to reprise his role once the script is completed.
However, the actor has been skeptical about his return, which has cast doubts if the Oscar winner would reprise his role or not. Earlier, during an interview, he shared that he would only return to the franchise if Paul Greengrass was involved in the production.
“I get it. I wouldn’t do it without him,” he said, as per Entertainment Weekly. However, he also added that he doesn’t think that the filmmaker is done with the franchise either and could change his mind if a good script comes along.
Greengrass has directed The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Jason Bourne in the franchise. However, considering the studio is allegedly looking at Berger, it seems unlikely that the English filmmaker would be returning to the franchise.
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Actors Who Could Replace Matt Damon in The Bourne Franchise
Matt Damon has skipped the fourth installment of the Bourne franchise, reportedly because Paul Greengrass was not directing the movie. It resulted in Jeremy Renner taking the lead role in The Bourne Legacy as Aaron Cross.
Deadline also states that The Martian star would be “approached first” to return, suggesting that the makers could consider alternative actors in case he turns down the offer. And the studio has several options for who could potentially headline the next chapter of the Bourne film series.
John Krasinski
John Krasinski had his big break in the sitcom The Office. However, the actor’s acting range extends way beyond comedy, as he has featured in dramas like A Quite Place. He has also showcased his ability to handle action sequences in several on-screen appearances, including the TV series Jack Ryan and the action film 13 Hours. Krasinski could give a fresh perspective to the franchise and could offer a compelling and multifaceted take on the iconic character.
Henry Cavill
Popularly known for donning the cape for Zack Snyder’s DCEU, Henry Cavill has the skills and acting range to replace Matt Damon as Jason Bourne. He has profoundly represented both in his performance in films like Mission Impossible and Man of Steel, along with the Netflix series The Witcher. Having portrayed a special agent in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., fans have been eager to see the actor take on more spy roles. And the Bourne franchise could be the next stop for the actor to take on such a role following his upcoming film Argylle.
Ryan Gosling
Ryan Gosling might have been in conversation recently for portraying Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, but the actor also has ventured into action thrillers with movies like Drive, Blade Runner 2049, and The Gray Man. He has also shared that he loves action movies and has always wanted to explore the genre. The next installment of the Bourne franchise could be the next action film on his resume, as his combination of endurance, charm, and captivating physicality make him a compelling candidate to step into the iconic role.
Tom Hardy
Tom Hardy is an actor known to have no limits when it comes to giving his best to portray a character on-screen. His commitment to characters is striking, which includes him changing his appearance, accents, and even his acting style. Not just talent, the actor has plenty of experience when it comes to action thrillers, solidifying his reputation as a seasoned performer. He also stands out as a compelling draw for audiences after potentially taking over Matt Damon’s film series.
Michael Fassbender
Given his extensive experience in action-thriller, Michael Fassbender has also emerged as a strong contender to replace Matt Damon as Jason Bourne. Renowned for his versatility, he possesses the ability to authentically portray both the emotional and stoic side of Bourne’s character. His upcoming action spy thriller Malko underscores his commitment to the genre and the possibility that the actor could be interested in the franchise. Fassbender’s skill set positions him as another potential actor to replace Damon in the future Jason Bourne movies.
So far, not many details are available about the upcoming film. However, it would be interesting to see who would replace Damon if he kept his stance about not returning to another Jason Bourne movie without Paul Greengrass.
The Bourne franchise is available on Peacock.
