A new Hollywood rumor suggests Universal Pictures may be preparing a major overhaul of one of its biggest action franchises, with Zendaya reportedly being eyed to succeed Matt Damon as the face of Bourne.
The claim comes from scooper Jeff Sneider, who says the actress has “definitely had discussions” with Universal about taking over the long-running spy series. While Sneider stressed that no deal has been finalized, he appeared confident that conversations have taken place regarding the future of the franchise.
The Bourne franchise has been on ice for a decade, and not only is it ready for a comeback, but Universal NEEDS it back.
Zendaya is tired of playing second fiddle in giant action blockbusters. She wants her own.
Can someone explain how this isn’t a match made in movie heaven? https://t.co/yPmNm7rPem
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) June 24, 2026
However, according to ComicBook.com, Sneider also acknowledged that a Universal spokesperson denied the rumor.
A New Lead for an Aging Franchise?
The first three Bourne films, loosely based on Robert Ludlum’s novels, remain some of the defining action movies of the early 2000s. However, subsequent projects in the Bourne universe—The Bourne Legacy, Jason Bourne, and the television series Treadstone—largely failed to recapture the same critical or commercial momentum.
Matt Damon in The Bourne Identity – Universal Pictures
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After allowing the property rights to lapse, Universal reclaimed them last year in what Variety described as a “massive nine-figure” deal. That investment suggests the studio will be eager to put the franchise back into active development. While Zendaya remains one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, the idea of her leading a major franchise—whether Bourne or another property—makes sense on paper.
This year alone, the actress is set to appear in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Dune 3, and alongside original Bourne star Matt Damon in The Odyssey. Sneider has speculated that their shared involvement in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic could result in both actors being asked about the Bourne rumor during the film’s promotional tour.
Matt Damon as Odysseus in the trailer for The Odyssey – YouTube @UniversalPictures
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That said, many users online have argued that Zendaya has become overexposed. Notably, her character was completely absent from the recent Shrek 5 trailer, prompting speculation that the studio was intentionally downplaying her involvement.
Matt Damon Still Wants to Return
The timing of the rumor is notable because Damon only recently expressed interest in playing Jason Bourne again. During an interview with Parade earlier this month, the actor said the creative team has continued searching for a compelling story and remains interested in another installment.
Matt Damon as Jason Bourne in Jason Bourne (2016) — Universal Pictures
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“We’re always looking to try to get another one of those because we loved it,” Damon said, adding that writers are continually attempting to develop a worthy sequel.
That statement has left fans wondering whether Universal is exploring multiple options simultaneously or preparing to move on from the character that made the franchise a global success.
How Reliable Is the Rumor?
Jeff Sneider is known for taking wide swings with his reporting. Last August, he claimed that Dick Grayson would appear as Robin in The Batman: Part II. Less than a day later, DC Studios co-head James Gunn publicly pushed back on the report via Threads.
Zendaya – Jimmy Kimmel Live, YouTube
More recently, Sneider claimed that Brian Tyree Henry, rather than Sebastian Stan, will play Harvey Dent in that film. Whether that ultimately proves accurate remains to be seen, but his uneven track record has frequently become a topic of discussion online.
For now, fans should treat the story of Zendaya taking over the Bourne franchise as exactly what it is: an unconfirmed rumor.
Do you think Zendaya will take over the Bourne franchise? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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