Paul Greengrass Gives Bourne His Official Goodbye

It’s been rumored, and now it’s official: Director Paul Greengrass is exiting the fourth installment of the Bourne franchise. Greengrass and Damon had always seemed ambivalent about continuing the series past The Bourne Ultimatum, but Universal pressed on and commissioned two scripts. Now, the studio will have to look elsewhere for a new helmer and pitch some woo at Damon to stay on board. Greengrass’s official statement, after the jump:

“You won’t find a more devoted supporter of the Bourne franchise than me. I will always be grateful to have been the caretaker to Jason Bourne over the course of The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. I’m very proud of those films and feel they express everything I most passionately believe about the possibility of making quality movies in the mainstream. My decision to not return a third time as director is simply about feeling the call for a different challenge. There’s been no disagreement with Universal Pictures. The opportunity to work with the Bourne family again is a difficult thing to pass up, but we have discussed this together and they have been incredibly understanding and supportive. I’ve been lucky enough to have made four films for Universal, and our relationship continues. Jason Bourne existed before me and will continue, and I hope to remain involved in some capacity as the series moves on.”

Greengrass Makes Exit Statement on Bourne [Variety]