14 DAY TRIAL // The fourth film in the Bourne franchise, the movie that propelled Matt Damon to the status of big-time action star in 2002, has already been confirmed and set for a tentative release in 2010. However, whether Damon will be making a return on the big screen as the forgetful and relentless agent Jason Bourne is yet to be determined, with the actor himself saying that he might be a bit too old for the challenging part.
Although Matt Damon has repeatedly spoken out in favor of the franchise, especially against uncalled-for comparisons between it and the James Bond films, it’s now him to first prompt speculation that 2010 will not see him back as Bourne. This is not because he no longer wants to be a part of the franchise – because he does – but more because his age might no longer allow him to shoot such a physically challenging part, as Damon says in a recent interview.
“Listen, when I did the first movie, I was 29 years old.” Damon says of the part in the 2002 smashing hit “The Bourne Identity.” “I am 37 now, and after a tough fighting scene, the next day you wake up and feel your body more. That’s just the way it is.” the actor further explains. Yet, at the same time, Damon is not denying his involvement in the upcoming project, spilling out more details on what fans should expect in 2010. “We’re working on it. This time it would be from an original script rather than a book by Robert Ludlum. But the director, Paul Greengrass, is busy and I am too, so we’ll see what happens.” Matt Damon says.
As noted above, the actor has often showed his appreciation for the part that put him on the map of the best-paid actors in Hollywood. He has also repeatedly shot down comparisons between Bourne and the slickest, deadliest 007 agent to ever grace the silver screen, James Bond, saying that the latter is nothing but the materialization of one movie studio sticking to a certain money-making pattern. Bond is also different from Bourne in terms of what they stand for, Damon said.
“They could never make a James Bond movie like any of the Bourne films. Because Bond is an imperialist, misogynist sociopath who goes around bedding women and swilling martinis and killing people. He’s repulsive.” Damon said. “Steve [Soderbergh, who produced Damon’s 2005 ‘Syriana’] told me that years ago he was offered a Bond movie. He told them he’d do it if they gave him creative control. ‘Absolutely not,’ they said. They have a formula, they stick to it, and it makes them a lot of money. They know what they’re doing, and they’re going to keep doing it.” the actor added.