Matt Damon has revealed that he is eager to return to one of his most famous roles, saying efforts are still ongoing to develop a new film in the hugely successful Bourne franchise.
The actor first played amnesiac CIA assassin Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity in 2002, helping launch one of Hollywood's most successful action series.
The film was a critical and commercial hit, leading to two acclaimed sequels, The Bourne Supremacy (2004) and The Bourne Ultimatum (2007).
Damon stepped away from the franchise after the trilogy concluded, with Jeremy Renner taking over the lead role in the spin-off film The Bourne Legacy in 2012.
However, Damon returned four years later for Jason Bourne, which reunited him with the character and grossed more than $400 million worldwide.
Matt Damon, 2003. Everett Collection, Shutterstock
Now, nearly a decade after his last appearance, the Oscar-winning actor says he would be happy to step back into Bourne's shoes once again if the right story can be found.
“We’re always looking to try to get another one of those because we loved it, everyone who worked on them,” Damon told Parade.
“So there’s always some attempt going on to write, to come up with a new story. So if you have anything, let us know.”
The Bourne films, based on the novels by Robert Ludlum, helped redefine the modern spy thriller genre with their fast-paced action, realistic fight scenes and globe-trotting conspiracies.
The franchise has grossed more than $1.6 billion worldwide across its five films.
Talk of another instalment has circulated for several years.
In 2023, reports emerged that Edward Berger, the director of the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, was in talks to helm a new Bourne film.
The following year, Damon confirmed discussions were taking place and admitted he would “love” to return to the role if the project moved forward.
Matt Damon and wife Luciana Barroso. Andrea Raffin, Shutterstock
The actor has remained busy in recent years with roles in films including Oppenheimer, Air and The Instigators, but Jason Bourne remains one of the characters most closely associated with his career.
Fans have long speculated about where the franchise could go next, particularly after the ending of Jason Bourne left the door open for future stories. However, no official plot details or production timetable for a sixth film have been announced.
For now, it appears the appetite is certainly there from Damon himself. The challenge, he says, is finding a story worthy of bringing the legendary spy back to the big screen.
