Matt Damon is officially returning as Jason Bourne, and the news has now received a major endorsement from the director who started it all. Paul Greengrass, who directed three of the five Bourne films, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming sixth installment, which will be helmed by Edward Berger. Greengrass confirmed he is “very happy” to watch the new film from the sidelines and is “really excited” to see what Berger brings to the franchise.
The original director’s support marks a significant moment for the franchise. Greengrass directed The Bourne Supremacy (2004), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), and Jason Bourne (2016). His departure from the director’s chair raises questions about the film’s direction, but his public approval suggests a smooth handover to Berger.
Paul Greengrass Shares His Thoughts on the New Bourne Film
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter for his new historical epic The Uprising, Paul Greengrass was asked about Damon returning for a new Jason Bourne movie without him. His response was overwhelmingly positive.
“Ed Berger is doing it, and it’ll be fantastic. It’s a great franchise with a great character, and I can’t wait to see the next one.”
Greengrass also spoke about his connection to the films he directed. He said he feels “ownership of my films” but does not claim ownership of the franchise’s overall style. He explained that every director must “keep on doing your own thing,” and he gave every film “110 percent”.
The director’s comments come after months of speculation about the sequel’s status. Reports of a sixth Bourne movie began in late 2023, with Edward Berger attached to direct. However, updates on the project’s development had been scarce until recently.
Matt Damon Confirms Active Talks and Shares Script Update
Matt Damon has been open about his desire to return as the amnesiac CIA assassin. In July 2026, during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Damon revealed that Berger had sent him the first act of the script.
“Edward Berger is this phenomenal director, and he really wants to do it, and so I’ve been talking to him, and he’s sent me kind of the first act. It’s really good, so I’m very hopeful that it can happen.”
Damon also appeared on The Rich Eisen Show, where he stated that he and Berger have a “line of sight” on how to bring the character back. He emphasized that the project will only move forward if they can capture the magic of the original trilogy.
“Unless it can kind of fit with that first three we did, unless it can be of that caliber, don’t poke the bear. But if we really feel like we’ve got a shot at doing something great, I’m all in. I love that character, it’s been an incredible part of my life. I’d love to do it again.”
Damon has played Jason Bourne in four films: The Bourne Identity (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), and Jason Bourne (2016). He did not appear in the 2012 spin-off The Bourne Legacy, which starred Jeremy Renner.
Edward Berger’s Approach to the Bourne Legacy
Edward Berger is known for directing All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) and Conclave (2024). He was first linked to the Bourne franchise in late 2023. In an interview with Empire, Berger explained that his decision to direct the film hinges entirely on the script.
“[Bourne] has such a legacy. You don’t want to make a film where people say, ‘Ah, it’s not as good as the others.’ There are many hurdles.”
Berger’s cautious approach aligns with Damon’s insistence on quality. The actor has repeatedly said that he does not want to make a sequel that falls short of the first three films. This shared commitment to high standards suggests the project will only move forward when both the director and star are fully satisfied with the story.
Why the Sequel Has Taken Nearly a Decade
The last Bourne film, Jason Bourne, was released in 2016. It earned $415 million worldwide but received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Damon himself acknowledged the lukewarm reception, which explains why he has been careful about returning to the role.
The journey to a sixth film has been slow. In 2023, reports revealed that Damon, producer Frank Marshall, and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns spent five years developing a sequel idea that ultimately did not move forward. Later, Joe Barton, writer of Black Doves, attempted a script, but that version also appears to have been set aside.
The current draft, which Berger sent to Damon, represents the most promising progress in years. Damon described the first act as “really good,” giving fans genuine hope that the film will finally happen.
What the Story Needs to Succeed
Damon has explained why making another Bourne film is uniquely challenging compared to other action franchises. Unlike James Bond, where each film features a standalone mission, Bourne’s story is “linear” and deeply connected across the original trilogy.
“It’s a linear story. It makes it more challenging to do a sequel where you’re giving people what they want, but also enough new stuff. You know what I mean? It’s a tricky one.”
This narrative continuity means the new film must honor the character’s past while offering something fresh. Damon has said the goal is to reach the “height of films 1-3” in terms of quality and impact.
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Release Information and Current Status
No official release date has been announced for the sixth Jason Bourne film. Production has not yet started, and the script is still being finalized. Edward Berger remains attached to direct, and Matt Damon is confirmed to star once the story meets his standards.
Universal Pictures has not issued a formal announcement regarding the film’s production timeline. Fans should expect updates as the script progresses and Berger and Damon move closer to a final decision.
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