New Screenwriter Hired for 'Bourne 4'

Universal is keeping its plans for a "fourth Bourne" movie on track by hiring a new writer.

Writer George Nolfi was due to hand in his screenplay for the next "Bourne" film in June. But at the end of July, franchise star Matt Damon said they still didn't have a script for the next installment.

The studio has now hired Josh Zetumer to write a "parallel script", reports The Hollywood Reporter.

Zetumer, a Hollywood newcomer, is gaining a reputation after penning a big-screen remake of "Dune" for director Peter Berg and Paramount. That project was due out in 2010 but there's been no casting and production has not yet started, so it's likely to be after that when it hits the big screen.

Nolfi, who worked on "The Bourne Ultimatum," has been busy writing, producing and directing "The Adjustment Bureau," an adaptation of a Philip K. Dick short story which will also star Matt Damon.

As that movie nears its September start date, Nolfi has had to put aside his "Bourne 4" screenplay, which has prompted execs to bring in Zetumer so the project is not slowed down and is still able to meet its 2011 release date.

A Universal spokesman said: "Our hope is that Nolfi, a key member of the Bourne team, will return after he is done with 'The Adjustment Bureau.'"

Story details of the "fourth Bourne" adventure are not yet known. Robert Ludlum wrote three Bourne novels, each adapted into a film; after Ludlum's death in 2001, Eric Van Lustbader penned five more: The Bourne Legacy (2004), The Bourne Betrayal (2007), The Bourne Sanction (2008), The Bourne Deception (2009) and The Bourne Objective (due out in 2010). It's possible one of the Lustbader novels is the basis of the next film installment.

More news to come! Catch ya' later!
Source: The Geek Files