Key Takeaways:
– Matt Damon deliberately took a break from the Bourne franchise, with his return in 2016 reflecting real-world changes.
– His departure allowed the franchise to avoid overexposure and maintain its fresh narrative vein.
– Damon is considering returning for a new film in the franchise, to be directed by Edward Berger.
Matt Damon, known for his acting versatility, has achieved widespread acclaim for his roles in films such as Good Will Hunting, Courage Under Fire, and The Rainmaker. His leap into action films was cemented with his portrayal of Jason Bourne in 2002. But Damon's departure from the Bourne franchise after the initial three films wasn't accidental, it was a strategic move made in collaboration with the franchise director.
Why did Damon and the Director Take a Break?
In the early 2000s, Matt Damon embodied the character of Jason Bourne in the first three films of the franchise: The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum. These films struck a chord with audiences and firmly placed Damon on the map as an action film hero. However, after The Bourne Ultimatum, Damon and director Paul Greengrass chose to step away from the franchise for nearly a decade.
According to Damon, this decision was not taken lightly. He wanted to watch the world evolve and see those changes manifest in future appearances of his character. The films, which wove in government conspiracies and cover-ups into their narrative, felt complete for the moment. So, they chose to pause and witness the unfolding global narrative.
Real-World Changes Infused in Jason Bourne
After the actors nearly decade-long hiatus, his return to the Bourne franchise with Jason Bourne in 2016 reflected the significant world changes during that period. The film integrated concepts about technology's dangers, privacy threats through social media, and illegal surveillance into its narrative. This way, the series stayed current, drawing from the ethical dilemmas that troubled the world around that time.
Advantages of the Hiatus
Another key advantage of this hiatus was that it saved the franchise from becoming overexposed and repetitive. This particular criticism has often been directed at series like the James Bond franchise. Thanks to the break, when the fourth Bourne film did hit the screens, it was able to bring a fresh narrative to the table.
The new chapter of Bourne, despite receiving mixed reviews, performed well at the box office. It made a whopping $415 million, exceeding its making cost, which amounted to $120 million.
Will Matt Damon Return as Jason Bourne?
Since his last appearance in 2016's Jason Bourne, Damon has shown openness to reprising his character in the newly-announced film. This next chapter in the Bourne franchise will have Edward Berger of All Quiet On The Western Front taking the director's reins. Berger is currently developing the script and Damon has expressed his keenness to work with him. However, there's no confirmation yet if Damon will be returning as Bourne.
The upcoming Bourne film will indeed be intriguing for fans, given how long it's been since the last installment. Even though there's no light shed on the story or setting as of now, it would be fascinating to see how the franchise evolves with Berger directing. Until further updates, fans can binge-watch all four Jason Bourne films featuring Damon on Peacock.
In conclusion, the clever tale of Matt Damon's deliberate break from the Bourne franchise and his potential return under a new director serves as a treasure trove for fans. It's certainly proof of how strategically planning a break can prevent overexposure and allow room for growth and evolution. The next Bourne film is sure to be a mega-hit, with the fans' curiosity piqued.
This post was inspired by an article on FandomWire.
