So Long, Bourne 4
Wed, December 2, 2009 
UPDATE: According to The Wrap, the reason for Greengrass’ departure had more to do with his desire to helm a Vietnam War movie before Bourne 4. He was hoping it to push it back for summer 2012. Universal felt otherwise and he walked. That and there is still no script. In addition, Greengrass issued an official statement (also in the afore-mentioned article) confirming his resignation from the Bourne franchise.
In news that according to them should hit the trades at any moment, The Playlist has word that director Paul Greengrass is off Bourne 4. The culprit behind the decision (made by the United 93 helmer himself who walked on his own accord last week) boils down to “creative differences.”
Their source translates that infamous PR bullshit term to say issues arouse over the forthcoming Greengrass/Matt Damon Green Zone. Mainly, the action thriller has proven more expensive than originally planned thanks to multiple reshoots. When you’ve had one of your worst years with a string of pricey under-performers and bombs, Universal isn’t in the mood to let Greengrass go this typical “finding his movie” method in the midst of filming. Then again, that worked out for his two Bourne films.
In addition, the move to hire two separate screenwriters (George Nolfi and Josh Zetumer) who are simultaneously penning their scripts didn’t sit well with Greengrass. Why? Because he was never consulted with the hiring of Zetumer.
This obviously leads to the big question – what about Matt Damon? Although not specifically stated, it’s heavily implied Damon walks if Greengrass isn’t sitting in the director’s chair (i.e. “He’s loyal to Paul”). That, of course, rarely means anything. Look at how Hugh Jackman stuck around with X-Men even after Bryan Singer jumped ship.
They do stress however Universal might end up having to kiss Greengrass' (and to a much greater extent, Damon's) ass to return. Sure, that's altogether possible. But I wouldn't bank on that to happen at this juncture.
I don’t care how much you might bitch and belly ache. This is a blessing in disguise, folks. Having three great movies is something to be grateful – especially when you don’t have to add “But that last one totally sucked!” at the end of a sentence.
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Doug Liman, paging Mr. Liman...