The update confirms the rights to the Jason Bourne franchise are for sale via WME, on behalf of author Robert Ludlum, and there are many bidders interested, including the franchise’s original distributor Universal, leading to speculation of a reboot.

While a potential reboot would be interesting, especially after such a long hiatus, many fans want to see the franchise continue with Matt Damon, as there is still one much-awaited crossover needed. Despite being the lead role of the Jason Bourne franchise, the fourth movie, The Bourne Legacy, saw Damon replaced by Jeremy Renner. The movie sured box office expectations, despite mixed reviews, and a possible The Bourne Legacy sequel featuring Jeremy Renner’s Aaron Cross was proposed. Yet, 2016’s Jason Bourne had no reappearance of Renner’s character, leaving many wondering if we will ever get a future crossover.

Forget A Jason Bourne Reboot, We Want A Matt Damon & Jeremy Renner Crossover Movie

Damon And Renner Have Yet To Meet On-Screen

As a large IP, the Bourne franchise would most likely see success whoever picks it up, but it does lead to speculation about whether it will be a reboot or a continuation. While a reboot may propose an exploration of the Bourne franchise for a new generation, there are still plenty of fans of Jason Bourne eagerly awaiting a sixth installment. Furthermore, considering The Bourne Legacy remains an outlier in the franchise, as the only film not featuring Matt Damon in his titular role, a continuation would mean Jeremy Renner’s Aaron Cross could return to the Jason Bourne franchise.

“Bourne and Cross together, you know. That's a good duo. That would've been pretty badass.” - Jeremy Renner (Happy Sad Confused podcast)

Interestingly, the original movie pitch for Jason Bourne 5 actually involved both Jeremy Renner and Matt Damon’s characters going against each other before eventually teaming up. Commenting on the planned team-up on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Renner said “Bourne and Cross together, you know. That's a good duo. That would've been pretty badass.” Sadly, this never came to fruition, as Aaron Cross has yet to really integrate into the Jason Bourne universe due to his lack of with Bourne himself. However, if the franchise is revamped, a continuation (instead of a reboot) would make this possible.

Even Another Matt Damon Jason Bourne Sequel Would Be Better Than A Reboot

Despite Reservations, The Bourne Franchise Needs Damon

Even if Aaron Cross doesn’t make a reappearance for a much-awaited Damon and Renner crossover, another Jason Bourne sequel would still arguably be better than a reboot. According to reports, Jason Bourne 6 was in development as of November 2023, with Edward Berger attached as director. Damon praised the new director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, stating “I hope it’s great and that we can do it,” but expressed reservations about his future with the Jason Bourne franchise as “I’m not getting any younger.” The actor also did not confirm nor deny his involvement with Jason Bourne 6.

Furthermore, director Edward Berger gave an uncertain update on Jason Bourne 6’s development in 2024, claiming “It’s not really clear whether… I’m doing that film or not.” This uncertainty, along with the rights for the franchise being shopped around, means a reboot could be on the cards. However, the Bourne franchise wouldn’t be the same without Damon, as proven by 2012’s The Bourne Legacy with Renner, and it has so much potential for expansion, especially with Aaron Cross’ one-off appearance needing to be rectified. Therefore, we hope Jason Bourne gets another movie sequel with Matt Damon instead of a reboot.

Sources: Happy Sad Confused podcast, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert