The Bourne franchise might be undergoing a major change as Zendaya is in early talks to take over the lead role from Matt Damon in a planned reboot of the billion-dollar spy series.
According to industry insider Jeff Sneider, writing in his newsletter The InSneider, the ‘Dune‘ and ‘Euphoria‘ star has had discussions with Universal Pictures about headlining a new chapter in the franchise. This would be a big shift for the series. Instead of a new Jason Bourne, the story would center on a female amnesiac spy. Sneider reports that Zendaya is “ready to stop playing second-fiddle in giant studio blockbusters” and wants a franchise she can lead herself.
Universal Denies Rumors Despite Insider Claims
Universal has been thinking about a reboot since at least March 2025, when they got the full rights to Robert Ludlum’s spy property with plans to expand the universe. Edward Berger, who directed ‘Conclave‘, has been linked to the project. Joe Barton, known for ‘Black Doves‘, is reportedly set to write the script.
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However, there are some concerns with this new development. Even though Sneider says he checked the information with multiple sources, he has admitted that Universal “vehemently denied” the story. Since the studio denied it and nothing has been officially announced, fans should take this report with a grain of salt.
Matt Damon’s Legacy And What Zendaya Casting Could Mean
Matt Damon has been the face of Jason Bourne since the first movie came out in 2002. He starred in four films, and the one movie without him, The Bourne Legacy with Jeremy Renner in 2012, did not do as well as expected. That led to Damon coming back for 2016’s Jason Bourne. The whole franchise has made over $1.64 billion worldwide. The Bourne Ultimatum from 2007 remains the highest-grossing one with $440 million.
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If Zendaya gets the part, it would be the biggest reinvention the series has ever seen. Recasting a white male character with a woman of color is bound to get people talking online, and Sneider has acknowledged that himself. But the timing makes sense for Zendaya’s career. She is already poised to have a massive 2026 with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey, and Dune: Part Three, and has plenty of big projects already.
The idea of Zendaya leading a spy thriller that jumps around the globe is certainly exciting. Her star power could bring new energy to a franchise that has been quiet since 2016. But until Universal makes it official, this is exactly what it looks like: a compelling rumor about a bold new direction for one of Hollywood’s most successful action franchises.
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