Writer-director Tony Gilroy has met with several actors in his searching for the new lead character in Universal's The Bourne Legacy, which will be a new assassin with a similar background to Jason Bourne, played by Matt Damon.

Variety is reporting that Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire, Garrett Hedlund, Taylor Kitsch, and Kellan Lutz met with the writer-director.

Univeral and Tony Gilroy are looking at actors in their mid-20s to early 30s.

Tony Gilroy wants to screen-test all candidates, which may be a stumbling block for some established thespians.

Production on The Bourne Legacy was to begin in the spring, assuming they find their leading man.

The focus on a new character will allow some flexibility for the possibility of Matt Damon returning in some fashion.