Jeremy Renner should be returning to the big screen as Alex Cross as Deadline is reporting that Universal is in the early stages of development on a fifth Bourne franchise film.
Universal has nabbed Anthony Peckham to pen the Bourne 5 script that will continue the adventures of Alex Cross, a survivor from Operation Outcome whose operatives were all targeted for elimination. Peckham wrote the screenplays for 2009’s Invictus as well as Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr.
Unclear at this time is whether Matt Damon’s Jason Bourne character will figure into the story in any capacity. The fourth Bourn film, The Bourne Legacy, was used as a vehicle to branch off from Jason Bourne and introduce Alex Cross as an equally gifted medically enhanced operative. Damon’s presence wouldn’t be necessary if the focus remained on Cross.
There are creative options for Jason Bourne and Alex Cross to “cross” paths in a fifth film if Damon will agree to return. He has been adamant about not returning to the franchise unless Paul Greengrass returns to it, and it appears Universal is not interested in getting Greengrass wrapped up in their plans as the fifth installment is moving ahead without him.
Successful franchises are big business in Hollywood right now so it is no surprise that Universal is pushing forward with Bourne 5. The Bourne Legacy earned $276.1 million worldwide, while the franchise as a whole has tallied a whopping $1.13 million in worldwide ticket sales.
The earliest Jeremy Renner would be seen on the big screen as Alex Cross in Bourne 5 would be 2015, and that assumes the development process progresses smoothly and Renner’s schedule allows him to shoot next spring or summer.
Source: Deadline
