Greener Pastures

Director Paul Greengrass has walked away from calling action on the Untitled Jason Bourne 4 film says The Playlist.

Two separate scripts were being written at the same time by two different writers - George Nolfi, who co-wrote "The Bourne Ultimatum" and upcoming thriller " The Adjustment Bureau and Joshua Zetumer wrote another one, but no one consulted Greengrass--and so he is unhappy with that, while Nolfi's script is generally being dismissed.

Another factor is "Green Zone"the Iraq-set thriller re-teaming Greengrass and Bourne pal star Matt Damon.

Originally slated to be a small project but, the budget has ballooned due to numerous reshoots and delays to a rumored $150 million (considering the poor performance of Iraq-themed films...).

Then of course there's the two 'Bourne' sequels that Greengrass did. 'Ultimatum' cost a pretty penny and saw similar reshoots and budget overspending due to Greengrass' style of starting without a finished screenplay and 'finding the film' in the editing room.

Domestically the trilogy was a major hit, but globally the films don't do anywhere near as well as the rival James Bond franchise.

Given current environment, Universal Pictures is feeling skittish about proceeding without a locked down script and budgetary limitations, while Greengrass is more than happy with his style of filming and doesn't feel a need to change it - especially considering how successful he's made the Bourne franchise for the studio.

Greengrass and Damon are tight yo, putting Damon's involvement in question now.

The site admits that this 'walk off' could be a negotiating tactic and the man could be back on the project in a few months. In the meantime-- several other names may pop up as potential replacements.

If this is a tactic--It's one hell of a way to negotiate.

Stay Tuned....