NBCUniversal has acquired all non‑publishing rights to Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne and Treadstone books in a reported nine‑figure deal, after a competitive auction that drew seven offers, sources tell Variety. The agreement, confirmed by Variety, Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, hands Universal perpetual control of the IP and keeps longtime producers like Frank Marshall involved. This is more than a rights transfer — it’s an IP power move that could fund films, series, games and park experiences. If you care about spy franchises, expect studios to accelerate development; this reshapes where and how Bourne stories return.
What The Nine-Figure Bourne Deal Means For Universal In 2025
- NBCUniversal Acquired All Non-Publishing Rights To Robert Ludlum’s “Bourne” And “Treadstone” Series.
- Deal Came After A Competitive Auction With Seven Offers And A Reported Nine-Figure Proposal.
- Frank Marshall And Captivate’s Producers Will Continue To Manage Future Bourne Installments.
- Bourne Films Have Grossed $1.64B Globally, Showing Ongoing Franchise Value For Studios.
- Variety Confirmed Details With Sources; Universal President Peter Cramer Spoke About Expansion Plans.
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This sale matters because Universal now controls the cinematic and franchise destiny of an IP that already delivered $1.64 billion at the global box office. With perpetual rights (excluding publishing) and producers like Frank Marshall staying on, NBCUniversal can greenlight films, TV tie‑ins, games, and theme‑park activations without outside approvals. Why it matters: studios lean on proven brands to guarantee subscribers and global box‑office returns — and Bourne is a ready‑made franchise. Are we heading for a Matt Damon return or a streaming spinoff? Expect development announcements and positioning moves in the months ahead.
How Executives And The Ludlum Estate Reacted To The Nine‑Figure Bid
Variety quotes Universal Pictures president Peter Cramer, who said the franchise “has reshaped the spy genre” and that Universal is “energized to continue expanding the Bourne universe.” Jeffrey Weiner of Captivate Entertainment, executor of Ludlum’s estate, added they’re “thrilled” the franchise remains at Universal and look forward to expansion. Those comments signal alignment between the studio and estate — a rare clarity that speeds development. If you follow industry maneuvering, this unified front makes fast, bold franchise bets more likely.
Sources
- https://variety.com/2025/film/news/robert-ludlum-bourne-nbcuniversal-rights-1236488510/
- https://deadline.com/2025/08/nbcuniversal-jason-bourne-treadstone-rights-robert-ludlum-1236485300/
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jason-bourne-treadstone-rights-universal-1236343552/
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.