Hollywood is a place of opportunities - some taken, others missed. Every actor has their own “what if” story.Matt Damon’s, however, is one of those rare stories that has become legendary in Tinseltown. He declined more than just a part; he passed on what might have been one of cinema’s most profitable opportunities.
To set the stage: we’re talking aboutAvatar. Yes, that Avatar. The film still holds the record as the highest-grossing film ever, and its sequel,Avatar: The Way of Water, is not far behind on the list of money-minting cinematic wonders. James Cameron’s science-fiction saga is what Hollywood dreams are made of.
In Hollywood, Damon stands as a revered entity, and he held the coveted invitation to join this cinematic masterpiece. The role in question was Jake Sully, the protagonist ofAvatar. But the twist in this tale? Damon declined. The role eventually went to Sam Worthington, and the rest is cinema history. Had Damon taken on the character of Jake Sully, he would have pocketed 10% of the film’s box office backend. Given the film’s monumental success, this would’ve translated to a staggering $250 million.
In a candid conversation withCNN’s Chris Wallace, Damon shed light on this career-defining decision. As much as he yearned to collaborate with the rare genius of Cameron, he was tied down with theJason Bournefranchise. Fulfilling his contract meant giving the Bourne film his all, ensuring it reached its end seamlessly. Walking away midway to join Avatar would have, in his words, left his Bourne colleagues “in the lurch.”
Damon explained,
“I’m sure it’s the most money an actor has ever turned down, you know. I had a contract. I was in the middle of shooting the Bourne movie and I knew that we were going to need work at the end and I had to get it all the way to the finish line and I would have to leave the movie kind of early and leave them in the lurch a little big and I didn’t want to do that. I desperately wanted to work with Cameron. I mean, because he works so rarely.”
Damon further added,
“I don’t know how I could have left all my friends in the lurch. You know what I mean?”
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Matt Damon’s Avatar Dilemma: Between Allegiance and Opportunity
Damon’s revelation is a testament to the complex choices actors often face. This isn’t about simply missing out on a project or paycheck. It revolves around one’s allegiance to a group, unwavering focus on a project, and the responsibility to those relying on you. Damon’s dilemma over Avatar wasn’t about not wanting the role; it was about not wanting to abandon another.
Interestingly, Damon shared his Avatar conundrum with fellow actor and close friend John Krasinski during a break from writing their filmPromised Land. Krasinski’s reaction was priceless. Damon shared,
“I told John Krasinski, we were writing this little movie a long time ago called Promised Land, and we were in my kitchen and it was a Saturday morning and we were on a break and I tell him about Avatar and he launches himself out of the chair. He starts pacing the kitchen. He goes, ‘Nothing in your life would be different today if you had done that movie, except you and I would be having this conversation in space.'”
When James Cameron, the mastermind behind the Avatar franchise, was confronted with Damon’s remarks about missing out, he jovially advised Damon to “get over it.” After all, Damon remains one of the biggest movie stars globally. But, in a twist fitting for Hollywood, Cameron hinted at the possibility of Matt Damon gracing anAvatarsequel, even if just in a fleeting cameo.
The story of Matt Damon and the missedAvataropportunity serves as a reminder. The Hollywood universe is woven with radiance, charm, and pivotal decisions. Sometimes, those choices favor passion over profit, team over self, and present commitment over future prospects.
