Universal Pictures and Ludlum Entertainment have finalized a deal that gives Universal the exclusive rights to the Bourne franchise. Three films (The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum) have already been made starring Matt Damon as special-operative ex-government agent, Jason Bourne. 

The series has grossed almost $1 billion worldwide in theaters, and 30 million copies of Robert Ludlum’s books have been sold in North America since the series debuted on-screen in 2002.

A fourth film is already in the works with Jason Bourne returning as well as Academy Award-nominated director Paul Greengrass (United 93, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum). George Nolfi who co-wrote The Bourne Ultimatum and Ocean’s Twelve has been hired to write the script. The fourth installment will not be based on any of Ludlum’s novels, and will be an entirely new adventure.

"The Bourne films have redefined the action genre with their smart and fast-paced approach," said President of Production for Universal Pictures Donna Langley. "We look forward to bringing more Bourne stories to fans all over the globe."

The agreement also included Ludlum Entertainment getting to develop other films in its library with Universal such as The Sigma Protocol, which is another novel written by Ludlum.

The fourth Bourne movie is scheduled for release in summer 2010.

 —Jessica Delli Santi