Bourne Again? New Installment Seems DoubtfulBy: Roger Friedman // Friday February 26, 2010 At the rate things are going, a third installment of the Bourne series remains, sadly, doubtful.
Last night at the premiere of Green Zone, starring Matt Damon Bourne otherwise and directed by Paul Greengrasswho directed The Bourne Ultimatum the question was asked. And really, no one could answer it.
Of course, Matt Damon told this column months ago that he wouldnt make a Bourne movie without Greengrass.
Now Matt can only shrug. At the party at Nobu 57 following the Green Zone screening, there was a low murmur about trying to a Bourne prequel. Ever since Star Trek (2009) took off , everyone in Hollywood wants to make a prequel about the early days of known characters. Look for Woody Allen to make Alvy Singer, Teenage Hero soon. (Just kidding. But Grammy Hall would be much younger.)
Greengrass told me, I dont think Ill do it. Ive done it. A Universal source said, We have to wait for a script. Damon doesnt know. Hes pushing Green Zone and getting ready for the role of his life in the Coen Bros. update of True Grit.
Its based on the original novel, not the John Wayne movie, he said. The script is amazing. And yes, its violent.
A soft persistent snow fell ceaselessly while Damon et al chowed down on Nobu specialities like rock shrimp and sashimi salad. No one wanted to leave, starting with knockout international model Frederique van der Wal, actress Amy Ryan, Brendan Gleeson, or even out of left field guest former Brat Packer Andrew McCarthy.
Matt did tell me a couple more things of interest. He and Ben Affleck have set up a deal to try and make the story of Yankee pitchers Mike Kekich and Fritz Petersen. But its a long way down the road, since no script exists and no ones ure how to write the saga of teammates who switched wives. Screenwriters Brian Koppelman and David Levien (Oceans 13, Rounders) said theyd been collecting info on the two couples for years. Maybe theyll wind up writing it.
Ben has always wanted to make that film, said Matt. Affleckthe two will always be connecteddebuts a new film he directed later this year called The Town. His The Company Men which played at Sundance may wind up with The Weinstein Company, sources say. The Company Men is a good, very real and troubling film with surprising performances by Affleck, Kevin Costner, Chris Cooper, and Tommy Lee Jones.
But no more Bourne for now, folks. Go see the Green Zone when it opens March 11th. Its the closest thing to being Bourne again.
"Green Zone" will not arrive until March 12, but a premiere in anticipation for its theatrical release has been held in the Big Apple on February 25. Among those gracing the red carpet for the celebration were Matt Damon and Brendan Gleeson.
Wearing a formal tux, Matt came to the AMC Loews Lincoln Square for the premiere along with his wife Luciana Barroso who looked gorgeous in a blue one-shoulder. Unlike Matt who had a companion by his side, Brendan arrived solo like his many other castmates Nicoye Banks, Amy Ryan, Khalid Abdalla and Jason Isaacs.
Director Paul Greengrass was also spotted attending the event. Other celebrities showing up at the Thursday event included Beth Ostrosky Stern, Andrew McCarthy, Julia Stiles and Howard Stern.
"Green Zone" is set in the chaotic early days of the Iraqi War when no one could be trusted and every decision could detonate unforeseen consequences. It follows Roy Miller, played by Matt Damon, and his team of Army inspectors when they are dispatched to find weapons of mass destruction believed to be stockpiled in the Iraqi desert.
