The Bourne Dilemma: Everything We Know About Matt Damon’s Potential Return to the Franchise
While Berger was initially reported to be in negotiations, his status has fluctuated due to a packed schedule, including his upcoming Brad Pitt starrer, The Riders.
RMN Stars Movies Desk
New Delhi | February 14, 2026
The world of international espionage is heating up again. After years of speculation and a high-stakes battle for franchise rights, a sixth installment in the Bourne saga is officially in development. While the project remains in its early stages, recent industry shifts and directorial updates have given fans a clearer picture of what to expect from the return of Jason Bourne.
Universal Secures the Future of Bourne
The road to a sixth film was nearly derailed in 2025. Following a period where the screen rights for Robert Ludlum’s book series briefly lapsed and were shopped to streaming giants like Netflix and Apple, NBCUniversal reportedly stepped in with a massive, nine-figure deal in August 2025. This agreement secures the franchise rights in perpetuity, ensuring that the home of the original trilogy remains the headquarters for all future Bourne and Treadstone projects.
The Director: Edward Berger and the “Dilemma”
The project currently carries the working title “The Bourne Dilemma.” At the helm of development is Edward Berger, the Academy Award-winning director of All Quiet on the Western Front and the 2024 hit Conclave.
While Berger was initially reported to be in negotiations, his status has fluctuated due to a packed schedule, including his upcoming Brad Pitt starrer, The Riders. However, as of late 2025, Berger has expressed a deep desire to direct, provided the script offers a “fresh” perspective.
“I would love to do it,” Berger told Empire. “But it’s necessary to have the feeling that we are adding something new to the great films that came before. That is a very high hurdle.”
Will Matt Damon Return?
The biggest question remains: will Matt Damon pick up the rolled-up magazine once more?
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The Status: Damon is not yet officially signed, but he has publicly praised Berger’s vision, calling his initial ideas “great.”
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The Age Factor: Now 54, Damon has been candid about the physical demands of the role. He has suggested that while he may return for one final “legacy” outing, the franchise may eventually need to pass the torch to a younger lead.
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The Script: Reports indicate that Joe Barton (Giri/Haji) has been working on a draft. Damon’s involvement hinges entirely on the quality of this script.
Navigating the Bourne Universe
If you’re looking to catch up before the new film arrives, the timeline can be a bit of a puzzle. Unlike many franchises, the Bourne series features films that run concurrently.
The Bourne Chronological Timeline
| Order | Title | Key Details |
| 1 | Treadstone (TV Series, 1973 Flashbacks) | Explores the origins of the program during the Cold War. |
| 2 | The Bourne Identity (2002) | Jason Bourne is pulled from the Mediterranean and begins his search. |
| 3 | The Bourne Supremacy (2004) | Set two years later; Bourne is framed for a Berlin operation. |
| 4 | The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) | Begins 6 weeks after Supremacy. Bourne heads to NYC to end Blackbriar. |
| 5 | The Bourne Legacy (2012) | Overlaps with Ultimatum. Follows Aaron Cross as Outcome is “burned.” |
| 6 | Jason Bourne (2016) | Set 10 years after the events of New York. |
| 7 | Treadstone (TV Series, 2019 Present) | Modern-day sleeper agents “awaken” across the globe. |
What’s Next?
With no official release date yet, fans should keep a close eye on late 2026 or 2027 for a potential premiere. The next major milestone will be an official casting announcement—specifically, whether Damon and Berger have finally found the “original idea” they need to move forward.
