Universal Locks Down Long-Term Rights to Major Spy Franchise

Universal Pictures is making sure the Jason Bourne franchise stays in its hands for good. NBCUniversal announced that the studio has officially bought all film rights to the Bourne and Treadstone books forever, except for publishing.

This deal is a big step for the spy series, giving Universal the chance to make new movies and shows based on Robert Ludlum’s stories. Fans can look forward to more action, suspense, and spy adventures in the future.

The timing is interesting. Earlier this year, in March, WME started looking for buyers for the screen rights to the Bourne series and other Ludlum properties for the author’s estate. Now Universal has taken control permanently.

Peter Cramer, president of Universal Pictures, said, “Since its debut in 2002, the iconic Bourne franchise has reshaped the spy genre with groundbreaking films that set new standards for cinematic action. We’re energized to continue expanding the Bourne universe into the future with exciting new stories for global audiences.”

Longtime producer Frank Marshall, who has been involved with the franchise since the first movie, will keep working on upcoming projects. Marshall, who also produces the Jurassic World films, has played a major role in bringing the high-energy world of Jason Bourne to life on screen.

Jeffrey Weiner, chairman and CEO of Captivate Entertainment and executor of Ludlum’s estate, added, “We are thrilled that the Bourne franchise will remain at Universal. We look forward to working with the Universal team to expand the Bourne franchise across Universal’s varied platforms.”

Jason Bourne first appeared in Ludlum’s 1980 novel, The Bourne Identity. The books became popular worldwide and led to a film in 2002, directed by Doug Liman and starring Matt Damon. The movie showed a more realistic spy story compared to the flashy and over-the-top spy films that came before it.

The first movie led to two successful sequels, The Bourne Supremacy in 2004 and The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007. Universal tried expanding the franchise with The Bourne Legacy in 2012, starring Jeremy Renner, but it didn’t connect as well with audiences. Matt Damon returned in 2016 for Jason Bourne, which made $415 million worldwide.

With this new deal, Universal can now make more films and expand the Bourne universe across TV and streaming platforms. Thanks to NBCUniversal and Captivate Entertainment, the world of secret missions and intense spy action isn’t going anywhere.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!