Was The Bourne Legacy 2012 Based on Any Robert Ludlum Novel?

The Bourne Legacy, released in 2012, is a film that fans of the Jason Bourne series might wonder if it draws any inspiration from the original novels by Robert Ludlum. Surprisingly, the answer is no—the film The Bourne Legacy is an entirely original screenplay.

Original Screenplay and Character Introduction

The Bourne Legacy was conceptualized as an original storyline, crafted by Tony Gilroy, who also directed the film. The story focuses on a new character named Aaron Cross, portrayed by Jeremy Renner. Unlike the Jason Bourne character from Ludlum's novels, Aaron Cross is a fresh face in the Bourne universe, marking a significant departure. The film aims to expand the collective Bourne franchise and delve into themes of government conspiracy and identity.

Technically Three Bourne Universes

It's worth noting that there are indeed three distinct Bourne universes, each with its own unique characteristics and narratives:

Robert Ludlum's Universe: This universe consists of all the novels before Ludlum's death in 2001. His last book in the series, Bourne Ultimatum, is the final novel in this canon. Eric van Lustbader's Universe: Following Ludlum's death, van Lustbader took over the series, continuing it by writing The Bourne Legacy and other novels. This universe is slightly disconnected from the films. Movies Universe: The film The Bourne Legacy is part of the cinematic lineage, providing a new perspective within the established Bourne universe.

Collaboration and Changes Along the Way

Initially, the film was planned to be based on Eric van Lustbader's The Bourne Legacy novel. However, the project faced some twists and turns:

Initial Director: Matt Damon, who starred in the original Bourne films, was set to be involved. He wanted the film to be directed by Paul Greengrass, the director of the earlier trilogy. Production Changes: When Greengrass dropped out as the director, Damon decided not to proceed without him, leading to a reevaluation of the project. Final Director: The film was then directed by Tony Gilroy, the writer of the previous Bourne films, resulting in a story that felt familiar yet expansive for fans.

Ultimately, The Bourne Legacy became a unique entry in the series, introducing Aaron Cross and branching out into new themes, while maintaining the essence of the Bourne universe.

Concluding Thoughts

While The Bourne Legacy doesn't directly follow any Robert Ludlum novel, it successfully maintains the spirit of the Bourne series, introducing new characters and narratives that explore different aspects of the franchise. This makes it a distinctive and valuable addition to the Bourne universe, catering to both devoted fans and those new to the series.