Directed by Paul Greengrass and penned by Tony Gilroy and George Nolfi, The Bourne Ultimatum features a cast led by Matt Damon, Joan Allen, and David Strathairn. Released in 2007, this spy thriller marks the final installment in the Bourne trilogy that began with The Bourne Identity. After its theatrical run and availability across various streaming platforms, the film will be added to the Disney+ catalog starting January 1, 2026.
Jason Bourne has tried to go into hiding and put an end to his escape. Now in Italy following Marie’s death, he longs for a quiet, anonymous life away from espionage. But the launch of a new covert program by the Department of Defense, called Blackbriar, reignites the hunt for him.
Now seen as a threat that must be eliminated, Bourne is on the run across several European capitals. From Moscow to Paris, Madrid to London and Tangier, he systematically traces back the chain of responsibility to uncover the origins of his conditioning. This final mission leads him to confront those who shaped his identity, yet the ultimate reasons for his fate remain hidden.
Produced by Universal Pictures and based on the novels by Robert Ludlum, the film continues the gritty, realistic aesthetic established by Paul Greengrass in the previous installment. Handheld camera work, tight editing, and urban chases create an immersive experience that has become a benchmark in contemporary action cinema. Filming took place across several countries, including the UK, Spain, Morocco, and France, with significant logistical challenges posed by the urban settings and complex action scenes.
Narratively, The Bourne Identity takes a unique approach: part of its plot is seamlessly woven into the direct continuation of the previous film, before extending the storyline towards a conclusion designed to bring Jason Bourne’s journey full circle. This strategic choice, credited to Tony Gilroy, helps solidify the trilogy's coherence.
The film was a broad hit with both audiences and critics, marking one of the biggest summer openings of 2007 in the United States. It also garnered recognition during the awards season, winning three technical Oscars in 2008 (editing, sound, and sound editing), highlighting the strength of its innovative approach.
With its relentless pace and tense atmosphere, The Bourne Identity appeals to fans of spy thrillers grounded in realism, where themes like memory, manipulation, and personal responsibility take center stage. It wraps up the initial Jason Bourne trilogy before the story continues to evolve in later installments.
The Bourne Ultimatum
Film | 2007
Released in theaters: September 12, 2007
Available on Disney+ starting January 1, 2026
Action, Spy, Thriller | Duration: 1h56
Directed by Paul Greengrass | Starring Matt Damon, Joan Allen, David Strathairn
Original title: The Bourne Ultimatum
Country: United States
Closing out the original trilogy, The Bourne Ultimatum wraps up Jason Bourne's story arc while reinforcing the franchise’s realistic and political tone. Now available on Disney+, it offers a chance to revisit a pivotal film that helped define 2000s action cinema and remains a lasting icon of the genre.
For a deeper dive, check out our curated list of the latest Disney+ releases for January, our comprehensive guide to new streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top picks: What to watch today online.
