Jason Bourne 4 gets a screenwriter and start date

Josh Zetumer, who wrote the script for the upcoming Dune remake, has signed on to pen the fourth installment of Universal’s “Bourne” movie series, writing what is being called a parallel script, according to THR.

George Nolfi, who co-wrote The Bourne Ultimatum, was tentatively on board to co-write the screenplay for the next chapter in the franchise, but he is also attached to write and direct the sci-fi thriller The Adjustment Bureau, an adaptation of a Philip K. Dick short story that reteams him with “Bourne” star Matt Damon.

But according to the report, as Bourne 4 nears its September shooting date, Nolfi had to back down from the project, leaving Universal, which wants to see the film in theaters during 2011, to hire someone else to write a new script. It is unclear whether Zetumer’s script will be integrated with Nolfi’s or not.

Frank Marshall and Jeffrey Weiner, both alumni to the series, will produce the new installment.