According to a report in Variety, Universal Pictures has signed a deal with author Robert Ludlum's estate, allowing it to pick up exclusive rights to the Jason Bourne character, including getting a first look deal at other Ludlum novels. The success of its earlier Bourne movies has encouraged the studio to make more Bourne films, turning Jason Bourne into a bigger and more profitable franchise, akin to James Bond.

The three previous Bourne movies earned Universal Studios more than $1 billion worldwide, which is why it has again signed Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass (Director) for a fourth Bourne film, being written by George Nolfi and with a theatre release scheduled for summer 2010.

As well, the studio is also working on developing Ludlum novel "The Sigma Protocol" for the big screen. Earlier this year, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. acquired the rights to produce Ludlum's 'The Maltese Circle'.