Paul Greengrass Leaves the "Bourne" Series

By our guest blogger, Paul Stammitti

As the fourth film in the "Bourne" series slowly approaches pre-production, it appears the man who brought us both "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum" won't be returning for the fourth.

From EW.com, Greengrass had this to say about his departure:

"You won’t find a more devoted supporter of the Bourne franchise than me. I 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."

This statement came after some news outlets automatically jumped to the negative when it was announced he wouldn't return, certain there was some sort of disagreement. That's not the case, especially since Greengrass has another film on the way from Universal, "Green Zone" (also starring "Bourne's" own Matt Damon).

I love Greengrass' two "Bourne" entries, but the series can certainly go on without him. The first one was just as brilliant as the rest, and the real thing holding them all together is Damon's fantastic performance and the excellent writing. It's yet to be seen, however, whether Damon is sure about signing on to the film, anyway.

Greengrass' "Green Zone" will be released March 12, 2010.