Which hot young actor should take over the 'Bourne' series from Matt Damon? That question has been settled, at least in Universal's mind, with the offer of the plum part to 'Hurt Locker' star Jeremy Renner.

Of course, Renner might only be borrowing the franchise: If he accepts the lead in 'The Bourne Legacy,' he won't be playing Jason Bourne, but another highly trained assassin who went through the same brutal Treadstone program. That leaves the opportunity for Damon -- whose character was very much alive at the end of 'The Bourne Ultimatum' -- to return.

Renner has shown his mettle against unexploded bombs and armored cars (in his other Oscar-nominated role in 'The Town'), but will audiences buy him as a super assassin?

Tony Gilroy, who will write and direct the next film, is banking on it. He chose Renner over such other up-and-comers as Garret Hedlund, Taylor Kitsch, Luke Evans and Joel Edgerton. More established stars Shia LaBeouf and James McAvoy were also said to be considered for the role, but were probably busy enough with their own franchises.