Jason Bourne Franchise Reborn: NBCUniversal Secures Full Rights for New Films & Series

The iconic world of Jason Bourne is returning with explosive force. After a fierce bidding war involving seven major entities, NBCUniversal has clinched a landmark deal, acquiring all rights—excluding publishing—to Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne and Treadstone book series in perpetuity. This decisive move grants the studio complete control to reignite the groundbreaking spy franchise, ending years of rights limbo and paving the way for thrilling new chapters in the Bourne universe.

“Since its debut in 2002, the iconic Bourne franchise has reshaped the spy genre with groundbreaking films that set new standards for cinematic action,” declared Peter Cramer, President of Universal Pictures. “We’re energized to continue expanding the Bourne universe into the future with exciting new stories for global audiences.” The acquisition, described by insiders to Deadline as a “very large deal,” followed Ludlum’s estate regaining the rights after they lapsed at Universal, triggering a high-stakes auction involving major studios, streamers, and entrepreneurs.

What’s Next for the Jason Bourne Franchise?

The path forward is already taking shape. Veteran producer Frank Marshall, instrumental in the original film series, is confirmed to shepherd the franchise’s next era. Crucially, a new Jason Bourne film is actively in development. Acclaimed director Edward Berger (known for All Quiet on the Western Front) is attached, with Matt Damon strongly eyed to reprise his defining role as the amnesiac super-assassin. Sources indicate a script from Joe Barton (The Batman spinoff series) is complete, though the project awaits an official green light. This signals a potential return to the core character that launched the phenomenon. Beyond the main films, the perpetual rights grant NBCUniversal immense flexibility to explore new narratives within the Ludlum universe, including potential new Treadstone projects or entirely fresh character arcs across films and series.

Why This Deal Reshapes the Spy Genre Landscape

The intensity of the bidding war underscores the immense value studios place on established, high-octane intellectual property like the Jason Bourne franchise. Jeffrey Weiner, Chairman & CEO of Captivate Entertainment and executor of Ludlum’s estate, emphasized the significance: “We are thrilled that the Bourne franchise will remain at Universal. We look forward to working with the Universal team to expand the Bourne franchise across Universal’s varied platforms.” This deal ensures continuity and a unified vision for a franchise boasting five blockbuster films:

• The Bourne Identity (2002) – Directed by Doug Liman
• The Bourne Supremacy (2004) & The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) – Directed by Paul Greengrass
• The Bourne Legacy (2012) – Spinoff starring Jeremy Renner, directed by Tony Gilroy
• Jason Bourne (2016) – Directed by Paul Greengrass
  The franchise also expanded with the Treadstone TV series, focusing on the secret program creating agents like Bourne.

Boldly stepping out of rights purgatory, NBCUniversal holds the keys to Jason Bourne’s future. With a proven producer, a director hot off an Oscar win, and the star who defined the role potentially returning, the stage is set for a major franchise resurgence. Expect high-stakes action, intricate conspiracies, and a new era for one of cinema’s most influential spies. Share your hopes for the Bourne reboot in the comments!

Must Know

Q: Is Matt Damon definitely returning as Jason Bourne?
A: While not officially confirmed, multiple reports (Deadline) state Matt Damon is strongly eyed to return, and a script exists for his character. Edward Berger is attached to direct the project currently in development.

Q: What does “rights in perpetuity” mean for the Bourne franchise?
A: It means NBCUniversal now permanently owns the rights (except publishing) to develop films, TV shows, and other media based on the Jason Bourne and Treadstone book series. They no longer face rights expirations.

Q: Who else was involved in the bidding for the Bourne rights?
A: Deadline reported seven entities competed, including two major streamers, another large studio, and several entrepreneurial ventures, highlighting the property’s high value.

Q: Will the new Bourne projects include the Treadstone series?
A: NBCUniversal acquired rights to both Jason Bourne and Treadstone. While the immediate focus seems to be a new film with Jason Bourne, the studio now has the perpetual freedom to explore new Treadstone stories or spinoffs.

Q: Who is producing the new Jason Bourne installments?
A: Frank Marshall, the producer behind all previous Bourne films, is confirmed to be returning to lead the franchise’s future development.