14 DAY TRIAL // The fourth “Bourne” film, tentatively called “The Bourne Legacy,” is still a go, even without the character Jason Bourne and without the man who brought him to life onscreen, Matt Damon. New reports suggest Jeremy Renner is now the favorite contender for the leading part.
Fans must already know that “Bourne 4” will mark a departure from the previous three films, in that it will take place in the Bourne universe but without Bourne.
It’s not a sequel, it’s not a reboot and it’s not an origin story. “Bourne 4” is practically an entirely different film from those with Matt Damon, just that someone chose to name it “Bourne” perhaps in a bid to capitalize on the franchise.
With that in mind, fans should know that Jeremy Renner is being considered for the lead, as per a report from ScreenRant.
Other names previously linked to the project have included almost anyone from Jake Gyllenhaal, Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Luke Evans and Alex Pettyfer, to Shia LaBeouf.
“Jeremy Renner is reportedly Universal’s top choice to star in ‘The Bourne Legacy,’ a film that writer/director Ton Gilroy says is not a franchise reboot,” ScreenRant says.
As it happens, Renner is already very busy: he’s (reportedly) taking over the “Mission: Impossible” franchise from Tom Cruise, is now shooting for “Hansel and Gretel” and will start work soon for “The Avengers” as Hawkeye.
Even with this busy schedule, the aforementioned e-zine believes Renner could find the time to shoot “Bourne,” should he accept the offer.
Still, fans of the original “Bourne” films are not happy with what they’re hearing of the upcoming installment, particularly since it seems to go against the very franchise – while claiming to be a part of it.
“While Bourne 4 shares its name with Eric Van Lustbader’s 2004 novel, Bourne Legacy will be an original creation penned and directed by Bourne Ultimatum co-screenwriter Tony Gilroy,” ScreenRant says.
“The project is described as not being a requel (a rebooting sequel, that is) but instead a story set within the Bourne-verse that involves a new government agent/assassin – and would allow for Matt Damon to return as Jason Bourne in a fifth film, if he desires,” says the e-zine.
If Jeremy Renner accepts the offer to star as lead in “Bourne 4,” rest assured you’ll find out about it here.