Universal Pictures has officially lost the rights to the immensely popular Jason Bourne franchise, sparking interest from major studios and streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple, and Skydance. This shift marks a significant change in the landscape of action cinema, as the franchise has been under Universal’s banner for more than two decades.
According to reports from THR, the Jason Bourne franchise is actively seeking a new studio or streaming partner. The rights to this iconic action series, based on the novels by Robert Ludlum, have now reverted back to the Ludlum estate. This development opens up exciting possibilities for the franchise as it looks for a fresh perspective and direction.
In a strategic move, WME is currently representing the Ludlum estate, reaching out to various studios and streaming services with the aim to “secure a new home for the franchise and ensure the superspy is a more regular presence on our screens.” Companies like Skydance, Apple, and Netflix have reportedly expressed interest. Interestingly, Universal could potentially reclaim the rights if they are willing to invest significantly. While it remains uncertain whether Matt Damon will reprise his iconic role, any new studio would likely prefer to revitalize the franchise with fresh storytelling.
Based on the thrilling novels by Robert Ludlum, the Jason Bourne franchise first captivated audiences with the release of The Bourne Identity in 2002. This blockbuster film set the stage for a series of successful sequels, including The Bourne Supremacy in 2004, The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007, The Bourne Legacy in 2012, and Jason Bourne in 2016. There were discussions about a new installment in 2023, with Edward Berger, known for directing All Quiet on the Western Front, in talks to lead the project; however, these plans did not materialize.
Despite the last Bourne film grossing approximately $415 million worldwide, audience reception was mixed, leading to questions about the franchise’s future. Damon himself acknowledged the lukewarm response, stating, “This last one didn’t do as well as the one we did 10 years ago, so maybe people are done with the character.” He expressed hope for potential future projects, mentioning, “I think everybody is leaving the door open, as we did at the end of this movie, in hopes that we can come up with an intriguing story for the next one.”
While it remains to be seen where the Jason Bourne franchise will find its new home, the recent acquisition of the James Bond franchise by Amazon raises intriguing questions about the future of classic spy series in the age of streaming services.
