Universal on Wednesday officially announced the continuation of its “Bourne” franchise, with Tony Gilroy signed to write the fourth installment, “The Bourne Legacy.”
Matt Damon, star of the first three installments, has yet to commit to the next film, which Universal hopes to release in 2012. Likewise, Paul Greengrass, who directed the last two installments, has not signed on. Both have been asked by Universal to come on board, but both have publicly stated that they don’t intend to.
An official close to Universal said the studio still hopes to enlist both, but is moving forward as if they are not going to be involved.
A Universal release said Gilroy — who penned the first three "Bourne" scripts — has been signed on to write a treatment for the fourth film, as well as a "bible" for the franchise.
Frank Marshall and Pat Crowley are back to produce alongside Captivate Entertainment’s Jeffrey Weiner and Ben Smith.
Starring Matt Damon as a highly skilled government operative who suffers from memory trouble, "Bourne" has been one of Universal’s most prolific franchises in recent years, grossing more than $945 million across three films, starting with 2002’s "The Bourne Identity."
