Well, it looks like the search is finally over. Universal Pictures has officially offered Jeremy Renner the lead role in Tony Gilroyâs The Bourne Legacy. Deadline confirms what Latino Review reported earlier this month: that Renner will be taking over the franchise that kicked Matt Damonâs career into high-gear. Written and directed by Gilrory, the film will apparently take place in the same universe as Paul Greengrass and Doug Limanâs previous films, but wonât feature Damonâs Jason Bourne character (a fact that doesnât seem to hinder Universal from strapping the Bourne name on the film). Legacy will further explore the Treadstone and Blackbriar mythos that permeated throughout the previous films, possibly exploring other similar agents and groups.Universal cast a very wide net in searching for their Legacy star, with basically every fairly well-known male actor between the ages of 18-40 meeting for the role (names included Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, Garrett Hedlund, Taylor Kitsch, Josh Hartnett, etc.). Hit the jump for more.I think Renner is a fine actor, more than proving himself capable of handling heavy material in the past few years, but at 40 heâs certainly not young. Nevertheless, we know next to nothing in the way of plot details, and Gilroy and Co. seem to think theyâve found their man, so itâs a bit soon to rightly pass judgment.Damon is still hopeful that he and Greengrass can reunite in the future for another go-around with the original Bourne, and previously stated that as long as Gilroyâs flick gives them room to come back, heâs thrilled. To catch up on all of our coverage on The Bourne Legacy, click here. Filming is set to start this September, with a release slated for August 3rd, 2012.
Jeremy Renner Set to Topline THE BOURNE LEGACY
Jeremy Renner to Star in THE BOURNE LEGACY. THE BOURNE LEGACY written and directed by Tony Gilroy, starring Jeremy Renner.