Paul Greengrass Officially Off 'Bourne 4'

Earlier this week, a bombshell hit in the land of Jason Bourne: There was talk that director Paul Greengrass, who directed the past two Bourne movies and earned an Oscar nomination for United 93, would not be a part of the fourth movie. That film has been through a couple delays already, and even if it were to happen, it wouldn't be until 2011. But if it does happen, it won't be with Greengrass, who released a statement last night confirming he was walking away, although he says there was no friction with Universal, as had been reported before.

“You won’t find a more devoted supporter of the Bourne franchise than me. I will always be grateful to have been the caretaker to Jason Bourne over the course of The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. I’m very proud of those films and feel they express everything I most passionately believe about the possibility of making quality movies in the mainstream. My decision to not return a third time as director is simply about feeling the call for a different challenge. There’s been no disagreement with Universal Pictures. The opportunity to work with the Bourne family again is a difficult thing to pass up, but we have discussed this together and they have been incredibly understanding and supportive. I’ve been lucky enough to have made four films for Universal, and our relationship continues. Jason Bourne existed before me and will continue, and I hope to remain involved in some capacity as the series moves on.”

It sounds as though Greengrass is willing to just produce, and that Universal certainly intends on moving forward with a new director. Who that will be and what impact this will have on Matt Damon's return will probably be revealed in due time.