It may not yet have a title but the next instalment of the Bourne series looks set for release in 2016 and, already, the cast is shaping up to be one for the ages. Although storylines and structure are a little vague at the moment, the main actors now appear to be signed up and ready to begin shooting the fifth incarnation of the Bourne movie series.

Possibly the most intriguing news this time around is the return of Matt Damon. After taking a break from the franchise in 2012, during which time Jeremy Renner starred in The Bourne Legacy, Damon is now back with a vengeance (and thanks to the return of director Paul Greengrass). Working as the co-writer and lead actor, Damon will no doubt bring his subtle blend of cunning, wit and guile to the role when it hits our screens next summer.

A Stellar Supporting Cast

Of course, without a foil Jason Bourne would be nothing but the pumped up alter ego of ex-Marine David Webb. Fortunately, Bourne 5 (as it’s being called for now) will be utilizing the services of Vincent Cassel for the role of “villain” in 2016. Recently announced, Cassel last appeared in a Hollywood blockbuster back in 2007 when he played a millionaire thief known as Night Fox (Baron François Toulour) in Ocean’s Thirteen.

Naturally, since that time he hasn’t sat idly by and watched the movie world roll on. Indeed, his role as a cult leader in the drama Partisan has received high praise from a number of critics and should serve as the perfect warm up for his onscreen battle with Mr. Bourne.

Also reported to be on the director’s list for the latest Bourne is the legendary Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander and the returning Julia Stiles as Ms. Nicolette “Nicky” Parsons.

Entertainment with a Moral Conscience

Although the plot is something of a closely guarded secret at the moment, previous Bourne films would suggest that Damon will be tasked with jumping through a number of hoops as he tries to save himself and his closest friends. One thing has been made clear, however: the new story will blend action, adventure and social commentary.

As reported by Screen Rant, Damon is keen to put a political slant on the movie (as he has done many times in the past), which means the new plot could include discussions on austerity, civil liberties and the nature of democracy. For casual movie fans this link between society and fiction may not strike much of a chord. But there’s certainly some value in it for Damon (and often his actor buddy and one-time Batman, Ben Affleck).

Damon as an Inspiration for Poker Players

Over the years his movies have inspired countless viewers to refocus certain facets of their lives and look towards something new, whether it be social or intellectual. In fact, one of his most impactful movie in terms of life lessons was Rounders.

Despite being something of a cult hit, the poker-themed movie sparked something of a gaming revolution when it was released in 1998. At the time, poker was still seen as something of an underground game. But after watching Damon (as Mike McDermott) take on and beat the imposing Teddy KGB (played by John Malkovich), millions were inspired to take up the game.

Thanks to Damon’s ability to portray an outwardly moody intellectual with an inner struggle, many viewers instantly connected with the film. Of course, aside from Damon’s own brooding intensity, poker is a game that has always inspired awe and intrigue in equal measure. Even though many viewers didn’t really know how to play the game itself, the combination of bluffing, money and psychological drama was enough to captivate them.

In fact, more than that, Rounders literally turned ordinary folk into professional poker players. Many of the game’s best young players, such as Phil Galfond and Tom Dwan, have famously credited Damon and Rounders for igniting their passion for poker. Moreover, established players, such as PokerStars pro Daniel Negreanu, have also suggested that watching Rounders should be part of any aspiring player’s education.

Damon an Inspiration for Intellectuals

Beyond Jason Bourne and Mike McDermott, Damon also famously fused social commentary and a brooding intensity in Good Will Hunting. The troubled intellectual, Will Hunting, shared a number of traits with Damon’s other onscreen alter egos and, similarly, inspired a generation. By seemingly defeating the system and showing talent where some would assert it doesn’t exist, Damon was able to inspire many thousands to reach for goals they previously never thought were possible.

Although Good Will Hunting is about Hunting’s math skills, the underlying message is that despite your past, despite your current situation (a janitor in a school or even an ex-teacher in the form of Robin Williams) and despite your internal troubles, things can work out for the best. While that may be something of a clichéd message in modern times, the piece certainly struck a chord with audiences in 1997.

Bourne Back with a Message

How does all this link to Bourne? Well, if previous performances have taught us anything, then we know that Bourne 5 will have something of an impact when it goes live in 2016. Damon’s ability to fuse brains, brawn and a portrayal of inner turmoil is something that certainly intrigues movie-goers. Add to that a storyline with a message that touches on social issues (in this instance civil liberty), and it’s likely the next Bourne will be a hit.

Indeed, if some critics are to be believed, then things can only get better for the Bourne franchise after Legacy missed the mark back in 2012.

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