Universal Pictures confirms that director Paul Greengrass has left 'Bourne 4'

It's offical, "Bourne" fans.

Universal Pictures has confirmed reports that Paul Greengrass will not be helming the fourth chapter in the popular franchise. Universal released the following statement on the director's behalf:

"You won't find a more devoted supporter of the Bourne franchise than me," Greengrass announced. "! will always be grateful to have been the caretaker to Jason Bourne over the course of "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum." I'm very proud of those films and feel they express everything I most passionately believe about the possibility of making quality movies in the mainstream. My decision to not return a third time as director is simply about feeling the call for a different challenge. There's been no disagreement with Universal Pictures. The opportunity to work with the Bourne family again is a difficult thing to pass up, but we have discussed this together and they have been incredibly understanding and supportive. I've been lucky enough to have made four films for Universal, and our relationship continues. Jason Bourne existed before me and will continue, and I hope to remain involved in some capacity as the series moves on."

That Greengrass has exited the project over a dispute regarding the screenplay does not necessarily spell the demise of the franchise. "Bourne 3" was created in part to conclude the blockbuster series, yet the studio has been spurned on to create a "Bourne 4" because its massive success.

So what happens now? 

Both Greengrass and "Bourne" star Matt Damon in the midst of another Universal project, "The Green Zone," which is currently facing budget overruns and re-shoots but is still set for a March 2010 release.

Variety, which broke the story, charted the zig-zagging life of "Bourne 4." The project started with a screenplay drafted by George Nolfi, who worked on "Bourne 2" and co-wrote "Bourne 3" with Tony Gilroy and Scott Z. Burns. Nolfi ultimately left the new "Bourne" to make his directorial debut with "The Adjustment Bureau," also starring Damon. Universal reportedly then hired Jason Zetumer to pen a parallel "Bourne 4" script, which allegedly may have been the catalyst for Greengrass' departure.  

In a plot almost as covert as the films themselves, where will "Bourne 4" land?  Variety predicts if Damon statisfied with Nolfi's work on “The Adjustment Bureau,” he could support the director to return to "Bourne 4" in either a director and/or writer capacity. However, industry pundits are not counting out Gilroy, who even with the box office disappointment of his Julia Roberts-Clive Owen caper "Duplicity"  earlier this year, may be the ultimate choice.

Will Jason Bourne live to face more intrigue and adventure? With the next act of this drama still to be written, it is anyone's bet as to who of these A-list players will ultimately survive.

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