Prince William just tried to resurrect a major movie franchise single-handed, but it didn’t go as planned

Prince William may not have the authority to revive the SnyderVerse, but he recently tried his hand at influencing another beloved action franchise: the Bourne series. While his royal status might have its perks, convincing someone to return to a long-dormant project isn’t quite his strong suit.

The Bourne franchise, known for its thrilling spy narratives, first launched with The Bourne Identity in 2002, directed by Doug Liman. However, it was Paul Greengrass, who directed The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Jason Bourne, that solidified the series’ identity, raking in over $1 billion at the box office. After an eight-year hiatus since Greengrass and star Matt Damon last collaborated, fans have eagerly awaited news of a new installment.

At a recent BAFTA event, Prince William reportedly approached Greengrass in hopes of persuading him to direct another Bourne film. However, Greengrass’s response was less than enthusiastic, as he laughed and shook his head, indicating his reluctance to return. He later confirmed his stance in an interview, stating, “Not for me, they need somebody younger, I’ve done my bit… I hope they get somebody great and young to do it; I think they’re in the process.”

Despite Prince William’s efforts, the future of the Bourne franchise seems to lie in the hands of a new director. In 2023, it was hinted that Edward Berger, known for his Academy Award-winning film All Quiet on the Western Front, is being considered to take the franchise forward. In a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Damon acknowledged Berger’s involvement, expressing his enthusiasm about working with him: “There is a great director named Edward Berger… I would love to work with him, so he’s working on it. I’m as anxious as you are to see if this thing happens—I hope it’s great.”

What’s Next?

While Prince William’s heart was in the right place with his request, Greengrass has moved on from the Bourne universe. The key question now is whether Matt Damon will reprise his iconic role as Jason Bourne or if the franchise will welcome a new lead. Perhaps it’s time for William to make a few calls to Damon’s household, especially if Berger’s project turns out to be a reboot. The Bourne saga is poised for a new chapter, and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next.