New Bourne film 'in doubt'

A possible new instalment of the Bourne franchise is now is doubt, after director Paul Greengrass suddenly quit.

The English film-maker has pulled out of the upcoming untitled fourth project amidst rumours of a dispute with studio bosses. According to the Playlist, the director was angered after studio heads hired a new writer without consulting him.

The director, however, has denied this. In a statement about his decision, he said he felt it was time for a change.

"There's been no disagreement with Universal Pictures. The opportunity to work with the Bourne family again is a difficult thing to pass up, but we have discussed this together and they have been incredibly understanding and supportive," he said.

Starting in 2002 with The Bourne Identity, the Bourne films tell the story of a former CIA operative, played by Matt Damon, who loses his memory.

Greengrass directed the second instalment, called the Bourne Supremacy, and the Oscar-winning Bourne Ultimatum, the third film of the franchise.