With a production start date fast approaching for the fourth installment of the Jason Bourne movie, things are kicking into high gear to find a new leading man. With Matt Damon leaving the spy franchise, Universal Studios & the film’s writer-director, Tony Gilroy, are meeting with some of Hollywood’s hot young leading men to replace Damon.

I should probably clarify that, no one is actually replacing Matt Damon and playing the role of Jason Bourne. Instead, “The Bourne Legacy” will focus on a new character who’s been trained and programmed like Jason Bourne. This way Matt Damon can do cameos or anchor any future Bourne movie should he decide to return. The role is one of Hollywood’s must-get and lucrative part for young actors. With the three Bourne movies grossing almost $1 billion combined, the part will elevate whomever gets it, to new heights.

As you can see in the picture above, Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights), Garrett Hedlund (Tron), Kellan Lutz (Twilight), Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain) and Tobey Maguire (Spider-man) are all in contention for the role. No one has achieved front-runner status as of yet, and sources say more names can be added to the short list. Universal has suggested a few actors to Gilroy, but he has a specific type of actor in mind to anchor the fourth installment. Gilroy wrote all three previous Bourne flicks and wants a guy who can portray quiet and unassuming while playing a kick ass assassin. My vote would be for Hedlund or Lutz.

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If you were in charge of casting, who would you pick as the new assassin? Would you watch a Jason Bourne without Matt Damon? Post all your comments and thoughts below.

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