NBCUniversal Secures Jason Bourne Rights, Plans New Films and Expansions

3 Min Read
NBCUniversal Secures Jason Bourne Rights, Plans New Films and Expansions

Jason Bourne, the world's most resourceful and relentless spy, is gearing up for a fresh chapter at the studio that has been his cinematic home for more than two decades. NBCUniversal announced Wednesday that it has acquired all rights-excluding publishing-to Robert Ludlum's iconic Jason Bourne and Treadstone literary universe in perpetuity after a highly competitive and closely watched auction.

The deal secures the long-term future of the "Bourne" franchise within the NBCUniversal family. It paves the way for new installments across film, television, streaming, theme parks, and other media, ensuring that Ludlum's globe-trotting operative remains a fixture in pop culture for years to come.

"Since its debut in 2002, the iconic Bourne franchise has reshaped the spy genre with groundbreaking films that set new standards for cinematic action. We're energized to continue expanding the Bourne universe into the future with exciting new stories for global audiences," said Peter Cramer, President of Universal Pictures. 

It's been reported that the Ludlum estate regained the rights earlier this year after the previous deal with the studio expired. Rather than quietly renegotiate, the estate took the rights to market, sparking a bidding war. WME, which represents Captivate Entertainment (the rights-holder for the Ludlum estate since 2001), managed the process.

In total, there were seven competitive offers, including bids from two major streaming platforms, another major Hollywood studio, and several independent ventures aiming to build Bourne into their marquee property. Ultimately, NBCUniversal matched the winning bid-reportedly a "very large deal"-and locked the rights down for the long term.

Jeffrey Weiner, Chairman & CEO of Captivate Entertainment and executor of Ludlum's estate, said, "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."

Longtime Universal producing partner Frank Marshall will remain a guiding force for the franchise, as he has since the beginning, working alongside Captivate's Jeffrey Weiner and Ben Smith. The creative pipeline already has movement. It was previously reported that acclaimed filmmaker Edward Berger is attached to develop a new Bourne feature, with Matt Damon potentially returning to his career-defining role. Insiders say a script from Giri/Haji and The Lazarus Project writer Joe Barton is in hand, but the project is still in the development phase and has yet to receive an official greenlight.

If Damon returns, it would mark his fifth appearance as Bourne, following "The Bourne Identity" (2002), "The Bourne Supremacy" (2004), "The Bourne Ultimatum" (2007), and "Jason Bourne" (2016). Universal also released "The Bourne Legacy" (2012), a spinoff starring Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross, set in the same shadowy universe. Combined, the five films have grossed over $1.64 billion worldwide, making "Bourne" one of Hollywood's most successful and enduring spy franchises.

NBCUniversal's plans for the franchise extend far beyond film. The character and his world have inspired video games, novels, and merchandising, and they even have a footprint in the theme park world through the high-octane live show "The Bourne Stuntacular" at Universal Studios Florida. With the rights now secured permanently, opportunities exist to further weave "Bourne" into NBCU's vast entertainment ecosystem, from Peacock streaming series to interactive experiences.

The WME-brokered rights deal places Ludlum's creation alongside the agency's other literary heavyweights, which include Tom Clancy, Dan Brown, George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and Sarah J. Maas-authors whose works have similarly crossed from page to screen and become multi-platform juggernauts.

This news makes one thing clear - Jason Bourne's days of outsmarting enemies, evading capture, and uncovering conspiracies are far from over. Universal, Ludlum's estate, and their creative partners seem determined to keep the legendary spy running, fighting, and surviving well into the future.


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