The Bourne Legacy, starring Jeremy Renner, has experienced a significant surge in streaming popularity over the past week in the United States. Directed by Tony Gilroy and co-written with his brother Dan Gilroy, the 2012 action thriller expands on Robert Ludlum’s novels by introducing Renner as Aaron Cross, a genetically enhanced black ops agent who goes on the run after Jason Bourne’s actions expose the secret agency behind their programs.
The film features an ensemble cast alongside Jeremy Renner, including Oscar winner Rachel Weisz, four-time Oscar nominee Edward Norton, Emmy nominees Stacy Keach and Oscar Isaac, three-time Oscar nominee Joan Allen, five-time Oscar nominee Albert Finney, Oscar nominee David Strathairn, Emmy nominee Scott Glenn, Michael Chernus, and Corey Stoll. Currently, The Bourne Legacy holds the number two spot on Prime Video’s Top 10 movies in the U.S. as of September 18, maintaining its presence for nine consecutive days. It ranks just behind A Working Man and ahead of other titles such as The Bourne Identity and Hitman: Agent 47.
Understanding the Legacy’s Streaming Resurgence
The original Bourne trilogy starring Matt Damon set a high bar for the franchise before Damon decided not to reprise his role, as director Paul Greengrass did not return for the fourth installment. Jeremy Renner was brought in to lead The Bourne Legacy, which took the series in a fresh direction but faced the challenge of living up to the critical and commercial success of the originals. This change contributed to the film’s mixed initial reception.
Despite its lower Rotten Tomatoes score of 56%—the lowest in the franchise—and underwhelming box office returns when first released, The Bourne Legacy was praised by reviewers for expanding the universe and showcasing new facets of covert operations within the story. Jeremy Renner’s compelling portrayal of Aaron Cross was often highlighted as a strong point that kept the franchise’s spirit alive.
How Recent Events Have Influenced Audience Interest
Jeremy Renner’s near-fatal snowplow accident in early 2023 has seemingly prompted fans and new viewers alike to revisit his work. His remarkable recovery and return to acting appear to have inspired renewed interest in his filmography, with The Bourne Legacy benefiting significantly from this resurgence. Audiences are increasingly drawn to revisit Renner’s performances, contributing to the title’s growing popularity on streaming platforms.
At the same time, the Bourne franchise as a whole is enjoying a broader revival on streaming services, with The Bourne Identity also ranking highly at number three on Prime Video’s Top 10 list. This renewed attention suggests that, despite its initial mixed reviews, The Bourne Legacy’s combination of Jeremy Renner’s lead role and the established brand of the Bourne universe resonates strongly with viewers today, solidifying its place as a streaming success.
