James Franco: New Bourne star?

Los Angeles – James Franco is being lined up to star in The Bourne Legacy.

The 127 Hours actor is being pursued by the film’s director Tony Gilroy to take on the starring role in the movie – the first in the franchise not to feature Matt Damon as lead character Jason Bourne.

If he took the part in the project, Franco would portray an entirely new action hero, as Gilroy has previously confessed: "I couldn’t imagine trying to replace him.

"All the conspiratorial politics aside, these are very un-cynical, honest movies, and I don’t know another actor who brings more integrity and dignity, and a lack of cynicism to his work than Matt."

Little is known about the script for the project, although Gilroy has confirmed Jason Bourne has not died, paving the way for him to return in a later movie. 

Franco, 32, will next be seen in Planet of the Apes prequel Rise of the Apes alongside Andy Serkis, Tom Felton and Freida Pinto.