UPDATED: Director Paul Greengrass Leaves 'Bourne 4'

For months we’ve heard that the fourth installment in the successful "Bourne" franchise is moving forward with both star Matt Damon and "Supremacy/Ultimatum" director Paul Greengrass attached to return. A story was being worked on, but there was still no completed script.

Two scripts for the film are being written, one by George Nolfi (co-writer of "Ultimatum," and another Matt Damon movie, "The Adjustment Bureau") and one by Josh Zetumer, the latter being brought in not that long ago to write a “parallel” script.

Now news comes that Greengrass has left "Bourne 4."

The news comes to us from The Playlist, which says that Greengrass and Universal Studios called things quits last week. While the official story is that there were "creative difference," the real reason, as The Playlist explains, is money.

It's a long and elaborate story but to sum it up, basically Greengrass wasn't happy that they hired Zetumer to develop a parallel script. And Universal isn't happy with Greengrass because he went way over budget on "Green Zone" and is apparently still spending money editing that. And because Universal is a bit finicky with their money right now (and are in desperate need of a huge hit), everything fell apart.

To make matters worse, apparently Matt Damon is loyal to Greengrass. So if the director doesn’t come back we’ll likely either have to face the prospect of a "Bourne 4" without Damon or none at all.

So with Greengrass off the project for the foreseeable future (he may come back), and Damon’s involvement hanging in the balance, this really does hinder us from seeing a "Bourne 4" anytime soon. The film was announced to have a summer 2011 release date with shooting to start in fall 2010. Unless things pick back up very soon, I don’t see those dates being met.

What do you think of Greengrass reportedly walking away from "Bourne 4"?

UPDATE: Dirctor Paul Greengrass has confirmed he is dropping out of the planned fourth film in the Bourne series.

Variety reports that Universal Pictures has now issued a statement from Greengrass saying: "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."

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Sources: Latino Review, Screen Rant, First Showing