Matt Damon said he would be “totally fine” with a younger actor assuming the role of Jason Bourne after he’s left the action franchise.
The A-lister was talking on a promotional tour in Seoul, South Korea, for the franchise’s fifth installment — “Jason Bourne” — when he told reporters that he’d be fine with being replaced…eventually.
“I’m definitely going to be replaced some day by some new young Jason Bourne,” he said. “That happens to everybody and they reboot these things, and that’s totally fine.”
“The only control I can exercise is over the ones that I’m part of. I’m the curator of them as long as I’m involved and that’s why I battled so hard to make sure that we got the same creative people [including director Paul Greengrass] to get involved in this one.”
Damon made his debut as the amnesiac assassin 14 years ago and is “very excited” to be returning to the role, which “had a huge impact on my life and career.” He did admit, however, that it’s becoming increasingly more challenging to keep up with the physical demands of the series.
“It’s difficult when you’re 45 compared to when you’re 29, but you still have to run as fast as you can. That part was a challenge but to get to revisit the people was wonderful. But I said, let’s smell the roses as we say and appreciate that we got to be here together, and make sure we have fun.”
Universal Studios has already tried to replace Damon in a manner of speaking. Jeremy Renner headlined 2012’s spinoff “The Bourne Legacy” following the conclusion of Damon’s first trilogy. However, a lukewarm reception and underwhelming box office totals quickly put an end to any franchise ideas.
“You’ll see what you’ve seen before and will recognize it as a Jason Bourne movie but it feels new and of the world we’re living in today,” he said. “It’s where we ended ‘Ocean’s Eleven.’ It’s bigger than anything we’ve done but it has this same kind of visceral experience that these ‘Bourne’ car chases have been known for. Hopefully it’s the best one yet.”
“Jason Bourne” hits theaters July 29.
