I’ve attended a few movie premieres in Vegas, over the past couple of decades.  Many were at MGM Grand and later, at Planet Hollywood – and quite a few at The Palms.  But I’d never seen a movie screened at Caesars Palace, let alone in The Colosseum; until Monday night, that is, when Universal Pictures chose the venue to screen the US premiere of the new summer blockbuster, Jason Bourne.  I’ve gotta say – between the high-def sound and the seats (especially the extra cushy leather ones found in the enclosed VIP Box that comprises the last four rows in the two center sections of the Front Orchestra) – it could prove to be the most posh movie-house in town.

Roughly a quarter of the film was set in Las Vegas, so choosing to have the premiere here, makes a certain amount of sense.  Most of the Las Vegas scenes were set at ARIA Resort & Casino, but I wonder if Universal opted to hold the premiere at Caesars because the filming, in January, required the closing-down of the Strip, which unfortunately coincided with the grand openings of Jennifer Lopez’s All I Have residency and Mr. Chow.  Needless to say, this required that the folks at Caesars Entertainment jump into overdrive (and hats-off to ‘em, they handled it with aplomb).  Regardless, the Colosseum turned-out to be an inspired choice.

Seen on the red carpet were everyone you’d hope to see. Matt Damon, the titular Jason Bourne (who was allegedly paid upwards of $1 million per line, for the role), was with his beautiful wife, Luciana Barroso. Alicia Vikander (2016 Best Supporting Actress, The Danish Girl) was there in her stunning Swedish glory.  Julia Stiles (one of fewer than five people attached to all the Bourne films) was captivating in a navy Lela Rose dress with metallic leaves and spaghetti straps.  Rounding-out the cast were Tommy Lee Jones (with wife Dawn Laurel Jones), Riz Ahmed, and Ato Essandoh; while director Paul Greengrass (no relation to Sturgeon King, Barney) cut a dashing figure alongside his lovely wife Joanna.

There were also a bunch of suits, including the stylish and savvy Chairman of Universal Pictures, Donna Langley; executive producer Christopher Rouse (who co-wrote the screenplay with Greengrass); Jeff Shell (Chairman, Filmed Entertainment Division, NBCUniversal); Ron Meyer (father of jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer*); legendary producer Frank Marshall; and Marshall’s buddy, iconic entertainer, restaurateur, and sometime-Las Vegas-headliner, Jimmy Buffett.

Come back, for Pt 2, where I discuss my thoughts on the film, and the Filmmaker Dinner that took place, at Nobu, after the screening.  TTFN!

JASON BOURNE | US Premiere
The Colosseum | Caesars Palace
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#Bourne

[Editor’s Note: Ron Meyer is also known for his day-job, Vice-Chairman of NBCUniversal]