Post by alex on Nov 21, 2008 10:49:34 GMT -5
www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/nov/21/universal-robert-ludlum-jason-bourne
Universal eyes Bourne supremacy with Ludlum deal
After just three films, Jason Bourne is already rivalling James Bond for the title of top movie spy. Now, Universal Pictures has signed a deal with the estate of Bourne creator Robert Ludlum for exclusive rights to the character, an agreement that paves the way for more movies starring the former secret service operative, according to Variety.
The deal, for an unspecified sum, also gives the studio first look at any Ludlum book which has not yet been filmed. Given that there are more than 25 such novels, it could well be a very productive agreement. The US writer died during the filming of 2002's The Bourne Identity.
The three Bourne films so far have taken a total of $1bn across the globe; they have had such an impact on the genre that Eon productions, maker of the Bond movies, ditched successful 007 Pierce Brosnan in favour of Daniel Craig, whose adventures have eschewed the suave-spy cliches associated with the franchise for a more streamlined, action-oriented approach reminiscent of its rival.
Universal originally planned on just a trilogy of Bourne movies, but is now putting a fourth into production; star Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass, who shot the last two films, are set to return. "Universal has done such an excellent job with the first three films that they deserve the opportunity to keep Jason Bourne at the studio forever," Ludlum Entertainment's Jeffrey Weiner told Daily Variety.
Ludlum's books are hot property as source material in Hollywood. Both The Matarese Circle (at MGM) and The Chancellor Manuscript (at Paramount) are set to go into production in the near future, with Denzel Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio the respective stars. Universal, meanwhile, is already developing The Sigma Protocol while Summit Entertainment has The Osterman Weekend.
Universal eyes Bourne supremacy with Ludlum deal
After just three films, Jason Bourne is already rivalling James Bond for the title of top movie spy. Now, Universal Pictures has signed a deal with the estate of Bourne creator Robert Ludlum for exclusive rights to the character, an agreement that paves the way for more movies starring the former secret service operative, according to Variety.
The deal, for an unspecified sum, also gives the studio first look at any Ludlum book which has not yet been filmed. Given that there are more than 25 such novels, it could well be a very productive agreement. The US writer died during the filming of 2002's The Bourne Identity.
The three Bourne films so far have taken a total of $1bn across the globe; they have had such an impact on the genre that Eon productions, maker of the Bond movies, ditched successful 007 Pierce Brosnan in favour of Daniel Craig, whose adventures have eschewed the suave-spy cliches associated with the franchise for a more streamlined, action-oriented approach reminiscent of its rival.
Universal originally planned on just a trilogy of Bourne movies, but is now putting a fourth into production; star Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass, who shot the last two films, are set to return. "Universal has done such an excellent job with the first three films that they deserve the opportunity to keep Jason Bourne at the studio forever," Ludlum Entertainment's Jeffrey Weiner told Daily Variety.
Ludlum's books are hot property as source material in Hollywood. Both The Matarese Circle (at MGM) and The Chancellor Manuscript (at Paramount) are set to go into production in the near future, with Denzel Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio the respective stars. Universal, meanwhile, is already developing The Sigma Protocol while Summit Entertainment has The Osterman Weekend.
At least the Bond films have the benefit of being episodic (with the exception of QOS of course) therefore they wouldn't have to stretch out a one-note premise.
