Even though eight years have passed since Damon last starred as the amnesia-affected assassin, he’s clearly maintained his secret agent level of fitness. He’ll need it, given how many fight scenes he’ll likely be shooting over the course of production. Although plot details are scarce at this point, we know that Bourne will be on the run from at least one character, played by franchise newcomer Vincent Cassel.
In the photo, Damon is shown in costume (or half of one at least), wrapping one of his hands. He’s shirtless and somewhat dirtied up — so basically, Bourne looks the same as he always does. Behind him, enveloped by mountain scenery, is a crowd of people witnessing his triumphal return.
First day of principal photography complete and happy to report, BOURNE is back! #Bourne2016 pic.twitter.com/ncIILnGKWr
— Frank Marshall (@LeDoctor) September 8, 2015
In an interview with Buzzfeed in late August, Damon revealed that the upcoming film will follow his character “through an austerity-riddled Europe and in a post-Snowden world.” It turns out that we have Snowden and other political events to thank for his decision to return. Both he and director Paul Greengrass decided the time was right for another Bourne film, and they co-wrote the script with editor Christopher Rouse.
Bourne 2016 also brings back Julia Stiles as agent Nicky Parsons, while Tommy Lee Jones and Alicia Vikander are involved for the first time.
The fifth film in the Bourne franchise is expected to open in theaters on July 29, 2016.
