Greengrass confirms 'Bourne' exit

Paul Greengrass has confirmed that he is pulling out of directing the fourth Bourne movie.

Last week, it was reported that the director was considering leaving the project because of disagreements with Universal Pictures over the script and budgets.

However, in a statement about his departure, Greengrass insisted that his reasons for leaving were based on a desire to find a "different challenge".

"You won't find a more devoted supporter of the Bourne franchise than me. I will always be grateful to have been the caretaker to Jason Bourne over the course of The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum," he told Variety.

"I'm very proud of those films and feel they express everything I most passionately believe about the possibility of making quality movies in the mainstream. My decision to not return a third time as director is simply about feeling the call for a different challenge. There's been no disagreement with Universal Pictures. The opportunity to work with the Bourne family again is a difficult thing to pass up, but we have discussed this together and they have been incredibly understanding and supportive.

"I've been lucky enough to have made four films for Universal, and our relationship continues. Jason Bourne existed before me and will continue and I hope to remain involved in some capacity as the series moves on."

Either Tony Gilroy (Duplicity) or George Nolfi (The Adjustment Bureau) have been tipped to take over as director.