Justin Lin took over the Fast and the Furious franchise back in 2006 with Tokyo Drift. Since then he’s guided the series into its era of greatest popularity (look at those box office figures!) making a further three films after Tokyo Drift before stepping down and handing the franchise over to a new director. That series is showing no signs of slowing down but what’s next for Lin?
Well it looks like he’s picking up another franchise to take into the future as Justin Lin is now set to direct the new Bourne film. Lin will be taking over from Tony Gilroy who directed The Bourne Legacy, and introduced a new lead character in the form of Aaron Cross portrayed by Jeremy Renner. It is being reported that Renner will reprise his role in what will be the fifth instalment in the franchise.
The Bourne Legacy was met with less than brilliant reviews at release, and financially it came off second best next to Bourne Ultimatum with $276 million worldwide compared to Ultimatum’s $442 million.
No doubt Universal are seeking to return the Bourne series to its former glory, there’s still no word on whether Matt Damon might come back though that seems increasingly unlikely without Paul Greengrass directing. Lin is an exciting prospect for taking on Bourne films, looking at his contribution to the Fast and Furious series he’s likely going to be looking at a multiple film arc for Bourne and how he weaves it all together will be interesting and exciting to see.
No firm release date on Bourne 5, though speculation is that Universal are looking at mid-2015.
