Jason Bourne is back. Matt Damon returns as the titular character in Jason Bourne, which is set nearly nine years after The Bourne Ultimatum. Jason Bourne will be the fifth installment in the Bourne franchise, with Matt Damon returning for his fourth Bourne film. The actor did not appear in 2012’s The Bourne Legacy, starring Jeremy Renner as government operative Aaron Cross. While Legacy could have kickstarted a Jeremy Renner-led future for the series, the movie garnered mixed reviews from critics. Instead, director Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum) convinced Matt Damon to return as Bourne.
In a recent interview, director Paul Greengrass and actor Matt Damon spoke about the new installment in the Bourne series. Their discussion revolved around ideas that have been swirling around the project for some time. Recently, they have spoken about where Bourne fits in the world today, and now they discussed the way in which the series could ramp up its already intense action sequences.
Talking with EW, Greengrass also mentioned one action set piece in particular: a chase sequence that unfolds in Athens, rooting the film in a very contemporary setting. Greengrass said:
“[an] adrenaline-fueled chase set during an austerity riot in Athens. It’s the kind of action sequence you can only see in a Bourne movie. It marries action with a really intense, emotionally truthful next chapter in the Jason Bourne story.”
Obviously, with the amount of time that has transpired between the last installment and Jason Bourne, there is some concern as to how well Damon handled the fight sequences and stunts. But fans can rest assured, not only will be Jason Bourne will be back, but he’ll still be in fighting shape for the new film. Greengrass said :
“Matt worked phenomenally hard to get into astonishing shape. He looks like he’s on a mission, he looks like he’s active, and he looks like there’s no time to waste.”
Also returning for the new movie will be Julia Stiles as Nicky Parsons, who was Bourne’s contact for the previous Bourne films. Damon explains where audiences will find Bourne and Parsons in the new film:
“Life out in the cold isn’t working for either of them. Nicky uses the riot for cover to meet with him, but she gets followed, and that sets the plot in motion.”
As Greengrass’s third film in the Bourne series, it seems the director has no problem picking up where he left off in 2007. The action sequences in Supremacy and Ultimatum have proved how Greengrass can expertly capture the adrenaline and thrills on screen. With a new sequence combining a car chase and a riot, Jason Bourne will attempt to match that thrill in the new movie. And given the Superbowl trailer, Greengrass is ready to deliver.
Jason Bourne arrives in cinemas July 2016 from United International Pictures Philippines, released locally through Columbia Pictures.
Source: ScreenRant, EW