When a movie series hinges on the presence of a singular actor, studios naturally feel uncertain about its future. Should their lead actor decide to bow out, the whole venture might crumble. The “Bourne” franchise faced this dilemma, and in response, sought to introduce a new protagonist in “The Bourne Legacy.” This move aimed to sustain the series after Matt Damon, weary of his role in “The Bourne Ultimatum,” opted out. Jeremy Renner, known for his role in “Avengers,” stepped in as a new agent in 2012. However, no sequels followed because Damon returned. Justin Lin, famous for his contributions to the “Fast & Furious” saga, was once slated to direct a sequel to “The Bourne Legacy,” but ongoing development struggles stalled the project.

In a 2024 chat on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Lin shared how he was given the opportunity to helm a continuation of “The Bourne Legacy” (often viewed as the weakest in the series) because Damon seemed ready to leave the franchise. As he collaborated with Renner on the screenplay, prospects looked good. But during this process, Damon and Paul Greengrass decided to make a comeback. Lin did not hold any grudge and humbly stepped aside, recognizing it as their original work. This turn of events led to the creation of “Jason Bourne” in 2016, and there hasn’t been any momentum for another “The Bourne Legacy” installment since.

“The Bourne Legacy” was transparently devised to move forward without Matt Damon, but it had potential for something grander. Writer Tony Gilroy, who scripted the initial trilogy and “The Bourne Legacy,” expressed to Playlist in 2025 that, in his vision, the series could have expanded into an extensive cinematic universe. “I tried to provide a Marvel-like universe with ‘Legacy,'” Gilroy mentioned. He believes the “Bourne” series didn’t receive enough credit for its ambitious reach and achievements.

Unfortunately, according to Gilroy, this broader vision seems unattainable now. When discussing the 2016 release “Jason Bourne,” co-written by director Paul Greengrass and Christopher Rouse, Gilroy critiqued it starkly. “I don’t understand what’s happened to the ‘Bourne’ universe. I left it in a certain state, but the subsequent film, ‘Jason Bourne’, leaves little room for advancement,” he remarked. “I feel it’s not positioned well for easy continuation.”

When questioned about his willingness to return to the franchise, Gilroy candidly dismissed the idea, suggesting that revisiting the series would not be wise for his career. “Joining a sequel would be a detrimental career move,” he explained. Nonetheless, Gilroy’s departure doesn’t mean Universal Pictures is done; they’re developing a sixth film with hopes that Matt Damon will reprise the iconic role.