Jeremy Renner is Aaron Cross in new 'Bourne' movie

Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross

Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Renner will not be portraying as Jason Bourne, Matt Damon's character in the past "Bourne" films, in "Bourne Legacy", Renner revealed in an interview last November. He will be playing the role of Aaron Cross, a new CIA operative.

"This is not a reboot or a recast or a prequel," director Tony Gilroy explained to Mania.com "No one’s replacing Matt Damon. There will be a whole new hero, a whole new chapter…this is a stand-alone project."

"The easiest way to think of it is an expansion or a reveal… Jason Bourne will not be in this film, but he’s very much alive." Gilroy continued. "What happened in the first three films is the trigger for what happens. I’m building a legend and an environment and a wider conspiracy… the world we’re making enhances and advances and invites Jason Bourne’s return [down the road]."

Renner, however, promised that "Bourne Legacy" will have the "same tempo and pace but more expansive and bigger" than the previous "Bourne" movies.

The 41-year-old actor arrived a week ago in the Philippines where forty percent of the film will be shot.

The movie's cast and crew have started filming last Wednesday. The shooting in the country will reportedly last for 40-45 days.

The film, which will also feature Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton, Joan Allen and Albert Finney, is scheduled for theater release in August.

Renner, who appeared in "The Hurt Locker", has also other movies coming out this year, including "The Avengers" and "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters".