Universal Buys Rights to ‘Jason Bourne’ Franchise

It’s highly likely that we’ll see the Jason Bourne series making a comeback, with potential movies or TV programs in the works.

I’m absolutely thrilled! Just moments ago, NBCUniversal officially declared their eternal ownership of the rights to bring Robert Ludlum’s acclaimed Bourne novels to life on screen. This news has sent waves of excitement through the fandom!

Universal has produced and released five Bourne movies between 2002 and 2016, with four of them featuring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, a former amnesiac spy struggling to reclaim his life. Additionally, they created a single season for a spinoff TV series titled “Treadstone” in 2019, which is named after the covert espionage agency associated with Bourne.

I had the pleasure of discovering Robert Ludlum’s groundbreaking work, “The Bourne Identity,” penned in 1980. Four years later, I immersed myself in “The Bourne Supremacy.” And then, in 1990, I delved into “The Bourne Ultimatum.” However, unlike the films starring Matt Damon, these novels do not adhere to their plots.

Following Robert Ludlum’s death in 2001, Eric Van Lustbader took over the Bourne novel series, initiating it with “The Bourne Legacy” in 2004.

Here was Universal president Peter Cramer’s statement on the news:

Over the past two decades, starting from 2002, the renowned Bourne series has significantly influenced and redefined the spy genre by producing pioneering films that raised the bar for action movies on the silver screen. We’re thrilled to carry forward this legacy by exploring fresh narratives within the Bourne universe, aiming to captivate audiences worldwide with our future projects.

As a cinephile, I’ve always been thrilled about the Bourne franchise, and it seems that the good news keeps rolling in! Until last March, Universal held the reins, but then came WME, shopping the series on behalf of Ludlum’s estate. Now, it appears the rights will stay at Universal for the foreseeable future. This practically means we can expect more exhilarating Bourne adventures from them down the line. After all, acquiring a franchise like this isn’t about sitting idly by – it’s about creating more thrilling stories to entertain us!

The Best Third Films in Movie Trilogies

10. Return of the Jedi (1983)

Although Ewoks may appear excessively cute, they seem more refined compared to certain bothersome creatures introduced in the prequels. In comparison, Star Wars: Episode V – A New Hope may not have an intricate storyline; it mainly involves rescuing Han from Jabba the Hutt and destroying the new Death Star. However, what makes this film crucial for a successful trilogy is its continuation of character development established in the previous films, particularly focusing on Luke’s relationships with Vader and the Emperor.

Ewoks might seem overly cute, but they come across as sophisticated compared to certain irritating creatures from the prequels. A New Hope, Star Wars’ fifth episode, may lack a complex narrative; it primarily deals with rescuing Han from Jabba the Hutt and destroying a new Death Star. However, its contribution to a satisfying trilogy lies in its expansion of character development set up in the earlier films, especially the dynamics between Luke, Vader, and the Emperor.

9. Back to the Future Part III (1990)

In my opinion, as a devoted fan, the third installment of the Back to the Future series might not reach the same heights as its predecessors, but that doesn’t detract from its value. After all, the original is a timeless masterpiece in science fiction, and the second film stands tall among excellent sequels. If Part II serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of creating a successful follow-up, with Marty (Michael J. Fox) delicately navigating scenes reminiscent of the first movie to avoid tarnishing its legacy, then Part III is a celebration of artistic freedom. It dares to venture beyond the realm of science fiction, transporting us to 1885 Hill Valley and paying tribute to classics like The Great Train Robbery, The General, and The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station. Robert Zemeckis, in his director’s chair, infuses his passion for cinema history into an enchanting Western adventure that also offers an unexpectedly touching romance.

8. The Godfather Part III (1990)

In simpler, more conversational terms:

The newly released “The Godfather Coda” is a good movie, perhaps even great, but it falls short compared to the first two parts of this trilogy, which are considered among the best films ever made. While “The Godfather Part III” isn’t as strong as the other two movies, it’s still a story about guilt and sin that offers insight into Francis Ford Coppola’s complex feelings towards the crime genre he is known for.

Unfortunately, the absence of Robert Duvall’s character Tom Hagen is felt greatly, and Sofia Coppola, who is a talented filmmaker in her own right, didn’t shine as Michael Corleone’s daughter. Despite these shortcomings, the movie remains engaging, reflecting Coppola’s apparent desire to move away from the crime genre but ultimately being drawn back into it.

7. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The third film in the “Bourne” series, titled “The Bourne Ultimatum,” was initially intended to be the final chapter of the story revolving around Matt Damon’s character as an amnesiac spy. Given the developments in “The Bourne Legacy” and “Jason Bourne”, this decision might have been wiser. The film featured a unique narrative structure, picking up directly from the events of “The Bourne Supremacy”, then delving into scenes that bridged the gap between the climax and the epilogue of “Supremacy”. This is a common approach in trilogy endings, particularly those with enigmatic protagonists. In contrast to many other trilogies, “The Bourne Ultimatum” offers some genuinely intriguing insights into Jason Bourne’s past, which is not typically the case in such final installments.

6. War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

In a new spin on the classic “Planet of the Apes” series, the initial revival didn’t quite hit the mark. Thankfully, the second installment lived up to the grand tradition of this renowned science fiction franchise. Following the original themes, “War for the Planet of the Apes” concluded this particular adaptation with thought-provoking concepts, somber undertones, and visually stunning effects. It’s as if Rod Serling himself penned a fittingly poignant – yet ironic – conclusion to the saga of Caesar and his intelligent ape community as they fought against the remaining human survivors of an apocalyptic pandemic.

5. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Although “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” may have had a few too many endings, it successfully concluded J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series in an emotionally stirring way. After spending around six hours following Frodo and Sam’s journey, seeing them finally reach Mount Doom to destroy the sinister One Ring was truly exhilarating. Essentially, it was everything that “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” was not.

4. Toy Story 3 (2010)

The fourth installment of “Toy Story” is satisfactory, but the overall “Toy Story” series felt more cohesive when it concluded with the profound impact of “Toy Story 3.” This film bravely addressed themes of mortality and death, as Andy, now ready for college, was too old to play with his toys. The beloved characters like Woody, Buzz, and others were donated to a daycare center, only to encounter the grim reality of a trash incinerator. Yet, even escaping this dreadful fate, the movie didn’t shy away from heavy topics such as aging, and the inevitable obsolescence that we all face. Who would have thought that a vibrant animated film for children could tackle such deep themes so beautifully?!!

3. Army of Darkness (1992)

In each installment of the Evil Dead trilogy, Sam Raimi’s directorial skills and budgets expanded significantly. By Army of Darkness, Raimi had honed his ability to bring his distinctive blend of horror and comedy to life, with the necessary tools at his disposal to accomplish this feat masterfully. The first 30 minutes alone could be the subject of an entire filmmaking course, showcasing Raimi’s expert use of camera angles, editing, and sound. To top it off, Bruce Campbell delivers one of the greatest comedic leading performances in cinema history in Army of Darkness, making this movie a true underrated classic.

2. Before Midnight (2013)

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I often find myself disappointed by sequels that attempt to replicate their original successes. However, the “Before” series stands out as an exceptional exception, embodying the understanding that recapturing the past is an impossible endeavor due to the relentless flow of time. This poignant message resonates most profoundly in the final installment, “Before Midnight”, where our star-crossed lovers Jesse and Celine, portrayed by Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, have matured into a couple with children. They’ve achieved their dreams – yet they teeter on the brink of an irrevocable split. These heartrending scenes are difficult to bear, precisely because they make this trilogy’s conclusion so extraordinary.

1. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966)

The standout trilogies, like many on this list, often reach their pinnacle at the start. Contrary to popular belief, The Godfather Part III is superior to its image but still falls short compared to Part I and II. This discrepancy makes The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly an exceptional finale to any film series. It’s not only a fitting conclusion to the Man With No Name trilogy, it excels as the best third installment, boasting grandest western landscapes, most intense dialogue, and a trio of unforgettable stars: Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach.

2025-08-13 21:48