Things are really beginning to heat up on Universal’s action sequel Bourne 5 – and we’re not just referring to Matt Damon’s ripped physique. Now that the cameras are rolling on Paul Greengrass’ marquee feature, which has set up shop in Tenerife, Spain for the next few weeks, the studio is wasting no time in filling the vacant roles around Damon’s titular super spy.
Greengrass and Co. may have already recruited Vincent Cassel to play the role of the villain, but now The Hollywood Reporter states that Django Unchained alum Ato Essandoh is between the director’s crosshairs. No further details were given about his character or how big a role he will play when the actioner opens in July.
Aside from starring in Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed Western, Ato Essandoh has also appeared in Blood Diamond and Hitch over the years, but the actor is perhaps better known for his work on the small-screen, with recurring parts in both CBS’ Elementary and on BBC America’s drama, Cooper. Essandoh is just another member of a growing ensemble on Bourne 5, now that Ex Machina and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’s Alicia Vikander, Tommy Lee Jones and Julia Stiles are on board for the anticipated follow-up.
Plot details are just as mysterious as Essandoh’s role, though Matt Damon has hinted that Jason Bourne’s latest tactical mission will have the character explore “an austerity-riddled Europe,” with themes of information control, democracy and public freedom also playing into the feature as the creative team look at Edward Snowden and the questions raised by the former Government operative as a jumping off point.
Matt Damon will reprise his role as Robert Ludlum’s creation when Bourne 5 opens during the thick of blockbuster season on July 29, 2016.