'Bourne' Director Says He Refused to Direct a '007' Film

Paul Greengrass, director of three films in the Bourne franchise, revealed that he received an offer to direct a James Bond film after the success of The Bourne Supremacy (2004), but declined the opportunity out of loyalty to the series starring Matt Damon.

During an appearance on the podcast The Rest Is Classified, the filmmaker stated that he has great admiration for producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson and praised Daniel Craig as Agent 007. “It’s a bit like you play for Manchester United and you can’t sign with Manchester City. You wouldn’t feel good about that. You feel loyal. I do,” he declared. Greengrass defines himself as a big fan of Bourne and said he hopes the franchise returns, although he doesn't know if that will happen.

The director also helmed The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) and Jason Bourne (2016), both also starring Damon. In June, the actor told Parade magazine that he is open to the possibility of returning to the role, explaining that there are attempts to develop a new story for the series.

Meanwhile, the next James Bond film is in development at Amazon MGM Studios, directed by Denis Villeneuve (Dune) and written by Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders. Amy Pascal and David Heyman are among the producers, but the new 007 actor and the release date have not yet been announced.