Damon Goes for Universal Romance While Waiting for Bourne
Universal Pictures, working on another BOURNE IDENTITY installment, will keep Matt Damon close by with a new George Nolfi sci-fi love story, according to VARIETY.
Written and directed by THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM scripter Nolfi, Universal is putting the finishing touches on a deal with Media Rights Capital for THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, to be produced by Nolfi with Chris Moore and Michael Hackett.
Production is set to begin in September in Manhattan. The story follows David Norris (Damon), a congressman seemingly destined for the national political spotlight, who meets a beautiful ballet dancer named Elise Sellas. Strange circumstances seem to be keeping them apart, so Norris investigates.
Universal's deal with Media Rights Capital means they will eventually relinquish rights to the film back to MRC, which shares the ownership equity with the film's talent. The original offer sheet had required the studio to commit to a $62 million budget with Damon getting a 20 percent first dollar gross backend. They will still put up promotional and advertising money and will have worldwide distribution rights, but are essentially licensing a film for a 20-year term.