Universal Delays Next ‘Bourne’ Movie to 2016

Justin Lin will direct the film, which will see Jeremy Renner return

Universal Pictures has delayed the next untitled chapter in its blockbuster “Bourne” franchise from Aug. 14, 2015, to July 15, 2016.

Justin Lin (“Fast Five”) will direct the fifth installment in the series, which will see Jeremy Renner return as Aaron Cross.

Also read: Matt Damon Is ‘Open’ to Return as Jason Bourne (Video)

The new date pits the next “Bourne” movie against 20th Century Fox’s “Ice Age 5.” It also gives Universal more time to lure Matt Damon back into the franchise fold.

Damon recently said he was “open” to reprising his signature role, but only if Paul Greengrass returns to direct.

“I’ve always been open to it if Paul Greengrass is the director. We’ve just never been able to come up with a story,” Damon said in an interview with CNBC. “So if any of your viewers have a story, please call Universal and submit it. It felt like such a good way to end it the last time,” Damon said of his third outing as the secret agent. “But having said that, I love that character and I’d love to see what happened to him.”

Also read: Universal Hands ‘Bourne’ Franchise to ‘Fast & Furious’ Director Justin Lin

Frank Marshall will once again produce alongside Jeffrey Weiner and Ben Smith for Captivate Entertainment. Lin will also produce for his Perfect Storm Entertainment.

The “Bourne” franchise is based on a series of books by Robert Ludlum.

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