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Black Doves creator gives latest update about a new Jason Bourne film starring Matt Damon once again

Joe Barton is writing a script for the new film, which would be directed by Edward Berger.

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 11:08 am

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As his spy thriller Black Doves returns to Netflix for its second season, creator and writer Joe Barton has given an update on his upcoming film in a similar genre - but which is part of a very famous franchise.

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As was reported last year, Barton is working on a script for a new Jason Bourne film, which would see Matt Damon return to the role after last playing the character in 2016.

While speaking with us exclusively for our video interview series The Radio Times Writers' Room, in which we get to know what makes screenwriters tick, Barton revealed that progress is promising on the project, but that it isn't a confirmed prospect just yet.

"Matt... Mr Damon," Barton joked, "My friend Matt was on The Odyssey press tour, and he was talking about it, so I guess it's ok, I can say. But yeah, we're trying to get that over the line, really. We're sending pages to him, and he's reading them, and he's very enthusiastic about the last lot that we sent.

"It's a really interesting thing, I respect it a lot - for Matt, it's a character, franchise, that means a huge deal to him. He'd like to come back. There's definitely a willingness for it to happen, and we've got this director Ed Berger, who's amazing - All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave, and that all of those kind of things."

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne in The Bourne Ultimatum.

Matt Damon as Jason Bourne in The Bourne Ultimatum. Universal Studios

Barton continued: "But for Matt, I think it's like, 'Look, if we can get the script and the story to a place where I can't say no and feel like it justifies itself coming back', then he'd be up for doing it, and I feel like we're definitely getting closer and closer, hopefully. But yeah, we're still in the process of seeing if that can happen."

While on The Odyssey press tour, Damon told Rich Eisen that "if we do" another Bourne film, "we want it to be like the first three," and noted that unlike the Bond films, the franchise follows one continuing narrative, rather than simply focusing on another mission.

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In his chat with The Radio Times Writers' Room, Barton also spoke about his work on previous projects such as Giri/Haji, Half Bad: The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself and The Lazarus Project.

He also delved into the new season of his Netflix spy thriller Black Doves, which is available now and sees the return of Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw as spy/assassin duo Helen and Sam.

Joe Barton's full interview for The Radio Times Writers' Room will be available to watch on Radio Times and on YouTube from Monday 9 November.

Black Doves seasons 1-2 are available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

Add Black Doves to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

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Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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