Joel Edgerton being considered for Matt Damon's old role

JOEL Edgerton has firmed as a frontrunner to take the role that made Matt Damon a bona fide action superstar.

Joel Edgerton

JOEL Edgerton has firmed as a frontrunner to take the role that made Matt Damon a bona fide action superstar.

Edgerton, now shooting The Odd Life Of Timothy Green with Jennifer Garner, is one of four actors on a short list to star in the Hollywood blockbuster Bourne series, reported The Daily Telegraph.

The veteran Aussie actor apparently caught the eye of the film's writer and director Tony Gilroy and, having already met previously, will return to LA for more screen tests in early April.

If successful, it would be a great coup for the former The Secret Life Of Us star who is having somewhat of a career boom at the relatively mature age of 36.

A rep for Edgerton confirmed the actor is in serious contention for the role but wouldn't elaborate, saying only; "It would be a great role for him".

Other actors said to be in the frame are Dominic Cooper (The Devil's Double), Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy) and Luke Evans (The Amateur American).

The search for a new Jason Bourne began late last year when Damon quit after the three hugely successful instalments The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Ultimatum and The Bourne Supremacy raked in $950 million all up at the worldwide box office. It's believed Damon quit after director Paul Greengrass pulled out of a fourth film.

Edgerton is getting serious buzz across the pond for his understated performance in Animal Kingdom and his coming role as a mixed martial arts fighter alongside Brit "It" actor Tom Hardy and Nick Nolte in Warrior.