EXCLUSIVE: After his World War I epic All quiet on the western front took home the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, director Edward Berger may have found his next project with one of this century’s greatest action heroes. Sources told Deadline that Universal Pictures is looking to get back into business with Jason Bourne, as the studio has begun early development on a new installment of the film. Jason Bourne franchise and that Berger is in talks to oversee development and direct the film.
Universal could not be reached for comment and sources close to the project say there is no script at this time and that it is still in early development. That said, Berger has been highly sought after after All quiet on the western frontOscars big night and if a deal is reached, his involvement with the project has all parties very excited about the future of the Bourne.
If a deal is reached, Berger would be the only accessory at this point with no other talent on board, but inside sources add that Matt Damon, who starred as Bourne in four of the five films, would be the first to be approached about returning to the iconic role one day. turn. the script is finished. As always, everything has to be executed perfectly for Damon to consider returning to the franchise and that starts with a great script and story and, from now on, no commitments from him until all of that is in place.
How the Fast and furious franchise, Bourne is a very important IP for Universal that has generated huge box office as well as great critical acclaim and is always a highly valued property at the studio.
As for Berger, his most recent photo All quiet on the western front, which was nominated for nine Oscars and won four, including Best International Film. The film won five BAFTAs, including Best Non-English Language Film and Best Director.
Most recently directed Conclave, written by Peter Straughan from the best-selling book by Robert Harris and starring Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. The film was recently acquired by Focus Features for distribution.
On the TV side, Berger caused controversy outside Germany with the production of the series The horror with Jared Harris in 2018, Patrick Melrose (based on the books by Edward St Aubyn) with Benedict Cumberbatch and Your Honor with Bryan Cranston and Michael Stuhlbarg in the lead roles. Patrick Melrose earned him another round of accolades as he was nominated for an Emmy in five categories, including Best Limited Series and Best Director, as well as a Golden Globe for Best Actor.
In 2019, the series won four BAFTAs, with Berger awarded a BAFTA for Best Limited Series. In 2019, he was represented at the Berlinale with the film All the loving with Lars Eidinger.
He is repped by Range Media Partners, CAA and Casartto Ramsey & Associates.
