By: Open Book
Universal Pictures just announced Tony Gilroy as writer and director of the fourth film in the Bourne series. Tentatively titled for now The Bourne Legacy is coming to a theater near you Friday, August 3, 2012.
According to reports Matt Damon was unaware of Universal plans to make a fourth Bourne film. He admitted to finding out about the fourth film on the Internet. The Bourne Identity revitalized Damon’s career and made audiences sit up and take notice as a “new action hero” was born (no pun intended). The story was intriguing, action packed, the character complex, tortured and riddled with questions. The story was adapted from the trilogy The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum and had all the ingredients that kept audiences wanting more. Now the question is, can Universal make audiences want more without Matt Damon or Paul Greengrass the director of The Bourne Supremacy/Ultimatum at the helm. The first director of the movie, The Bourne Identity Doug Liman, was replaced with Paul Greengrass for the second and third film of the series. According to reports Matt Damon refused to do another film without Paul Greengrass. Paul Greengrass in late 2009, confirmed that he pulled out of the untitled Bourne 4 project because he wanted a new challenge he stated; “My decision to not return a third time as director is simply about feeling the call for a different challenge. There’s been no disagreement with Universal Pictures.”[1] Greengrass went on to direct The Green Zone starring Matt Damon and it opened with weak reviews[2] and failed to make back it’s production cost for the film.
The person who’s been a permanent fixture throughout the Bourne series is screenplay writer and director Tony Gilroy. You may be familiar with his work. He wrote and directed Michael Clayton starring George Clooney which got five Oscar nominations and in 2009 Duplicity starring Julia Roberts. Although, Duplicity got moderate reviews by critics both films did fairly well at the box office.[3] According to Gilroy The Bourne Legacy is a stand-alone project he states; “This is not a reboot or a recast or a prequel. No one’s replacing Matt Damon. There will be a whole new hero, a whole new chapter… this is a stand-alone project.”[4] Universal has not announced yet who will be the “new hero” of the Bourne franchise. However, there’s been a lot speculation floating around Hollywood on who it may be. Gilroy goes on to state; “Everything you saw in the first three films actually happened, and everyone who got into will be rewarded for paying attention. We’re going to show you the bigger picture, the bigger canvas. When you see what we’re going and see what we’re doing it’ll be pretty obvious.” This sounds very interesting and personally I can’t wait!!! However, will audiences want to see the bigger picture Gilroy has in store for the series? Who do u think should play the “new hero?”
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I really enjoyed the Bourne movie series and I also liked Michael Clayton (T Gilroy). THere are a few more stories to be told in the saga based on the number of published books.
Yes! The books that are out now are written by a different person. Robert Ludlum did not write The Boune Legacy. So it will be a different feel not only from the books but from a acting and directorial perspective as well. That’s why I think it could definitely be revitalized and re-sold to audiences.
I think the comment by Tony Gilroy was interesting about taking a wider view. I can imagine we might back up into the how and why the program came about. We never got much detail on the backstory – only a hint. So I could imagine them taking a track like that. A new actor could easily fit into that story arc.
Exactly, That’s what has me fascinated and interested in the series again. I really liked Michael Clayton. I thought Gilroy really wrote that character with Clooney in mind and it was perfect for GC. I think Gilroy also wrote Julia Roberts character well for Duplicity. The movie suffered from way to much detail but interesting concept. Loved the concept.
I don’t know about you but I came out of the theatre after watching Michael Clayton telling everyone to go see it. I loved the twists and the ending. GC did a great job, imo with the character.
Oh! Yes Clayton was fantastic in both story, direction and character development. However, I was referring to Duplicity. Did u see this movie with Clive Owen and Julia Roberts?
No I never saw the movie Duplicity. Maybe I’ll try and catch it this weekend.
If u do see it. Really pay attention to the ending. Great concept very original.
I”ll see if it’s available on Netflix!