Matt Damon opts out of next Bourne film

Hollywood actor Matt Damon will not star in the next Bourne movie titled The Bourne Legacy.

Damon has played secret agent Jason Bourne in three films, but sparked rumours that he will also quit the franchise if director Paul Greengrass quits. The actor insisted he would not return to the role unless his friend was in charge.

Director Tony Gilroy, who wrote the screenplay for the three Bourne movies, has been hired to take over from Greengrass and he has now confirmed Damon will not be a part of new movie The Bourne Legacy, reports imdb.com.

"This is not a reboot or a recast or a prequel. No one's replacing Matt Damon. There will be a whole new hero, a whole new chapter... this is a stand-alone project," said Gilroy.

Gilroy insists Damon has the option to return to the franchise in the future.