Universal moves ahead with 'Bourne'

George Nolfi to pen fourth installment of series

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Damon

'Bourne Ultimatum'

Universal is moving ahead with its fourth installment of "The Bourne Identity" series, setting George Nolfi to write the script.

Nolfi was co-writer of the third film, which was based on a story by Tony Gilroy.

Though the series is based on the Robert Ludlum novels, the new film won't be based on a Ludlum title, but rather an original story.

Studio toppers Marc Shmuger, David Linde and Donna Langley are making the continuation of the Bourne franchise a top priority in their effort to mount tentpoles, and they've secured director Paul Greengrass and star Matt Damon to attach themselves to a new film (Variety, February 22, 2008).

Pic will be produced by Frank Marshall and exec produced by Jeffrey Weiner and Henry Morrison.

The studio intended to stop at the third installment, but the film grossed $227 million domestically and $215 million overseas.