Even though we’ve known that a fourth installment in the Bourne series was likely on the way, it seems now that it could be happening soon. Universal has apparently hired a writer and is moving forward with the project in hopes of having it out in 2010.

The Bourne Ultimatum writer George Nolfi is now working on the script for what they’re calling Bourne 4 (hopefully a working title) and Paul Greengrass is expected to return to direct with Matt Damon to star.

The big catch here for most fans is that there is no fourth book by Bourne author Robert Ludlum, only one by Eric Van Lustbader. Because of this, Bourne 4 will make their own story up and likely have it set in South America.

This is potentially exciting news to Bourne fans, but the thought of a brand new story being made is always cause for concern — even if your name is Peter Jackson or Guillermo del Toro.

Nothing is 100% official here yet, but DreamWorks has Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum) at the top of their short list of directors to take on their version of Blackbeard, about Edward Teach, who went on to become Blackbeard the pirate.

One thing that is known is that this is going to be a lot more violent, gritty, and real than the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, looking to get an R-rating.

The film is being produced by Barry Josephson and the script is being written by David Franzoni (Gladiator, Amistad).

Below is a plot description from Mania, who got the exclusive on Greengrass.