“Star Wars: Rogue One” actor Riz Ahmed has been tapped to join Matt Damon in the next installment in his “Bourne” franchise, sources tell Variety.
Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel, Scott Shepherd and Tommy Lee Jones are also on board for the project, with Julia Stiles set to return to the series.
Paul Greengrass is attached to direct and co-write the script with Christopher Rouse — rejoining the franchise after helming 2007’s “The Bourne Ultimatum.” Frank Marshall again produces the action-thriller sequel alongside Jeffrey Weiner for Captivate Entertainment. Greengrass, Damon, Greg Goodman and Ben Smith also produce. Rouse and Henry Morrison serve as executive producers.
Plot details are unknown at this time, though sources say Ahmed will play a tech specialist at the CIA. Sources tell Variety that Ahmed had always been the top choice for this key role, but scheduling conflicts with “Rogue One” almost stymied the deal. Insiders now say the dates have been worked out to allow Ahmed to film both movies.
Production is under way in Budapest. The film will bow on July 29.
Damon’s three “Bourne” movies, which began in 2002 and ended in 2007, grossed nearly $1 billion at the worldwide box office.
Ahmed broke out last year as Jake Gyllenhaal’s cameraman in “Nightcrawler,” which helped land him a lead role in “Star Wars: Rogue One.”
He is repped by CAA and Gordon and French
