James Cameron Sets the Record Straight on Matt Damon's Avatar Story
Matt Damon has long claimed he nearly landed the lead in Avatar, but James Cameron has finally weighed in, revealing what really happened behind the scenes.
For years, Matt Damon has been telling anyone who’ll listen that he was this close to starring in the 2009 sci-fi epic Avatar. The bloke from Ocean’s Eleven has mentioned more than once that he was in talks to play the main character, Jake Sully, and that he had to knock it back because of other work commitments. But now, director James Cameron has decided it’s time to clear the air and give his side of the yarn.
Behind the Scenes: Casting Rumours and Realities
Damon’s story has always been a bit of a talking point, especially when he jokes about missing out on a massive payday. He’s said before that he was offered not just the role, but also a slice of the film’s profits. That’s a fair chunk of change, considering Avatar went on to become one of the highest-grossing films ever. But Cameron isn’t having a bar of it. According to him, while there were definitely some chats about Damon joining the cast, things never got as far as a formal offer.
Apparently, there were conversations, but Cameron says that Damon is lying about getting the final offer to play Jake Sully in the sci-fi series, and receiving a share of the film’s profits.
Who Really Got the Call?
In the end, the role of Jake Sully went to Sam Worthington, an Aussie actor who was relatively unknown at the time. Cameron’s comments suggest that Damon’s version of events might be a bit of a stretch. The director reckons that while Damon’s name came up, he was never officially offered the part, nor was he promised any profit-sharing deal. It’s a classic case of Hollywood stories growing legs over time.
For Damon, missing out on Avatar has become a bit of a running gag. He’s often poked fun at himself for turning down what could have been a life-changing gig. But with Cameron now weighing in, it seems the real story is a bit less dramatic than Damon’s been letting on.
Hollywood Myths and the Truth
Stories like this aren’t uncommon in the film industry. Actors and directors often have different memories of how things went down, and sometimes the truth gets lost in the retelling. In this case, Cameron’s version puts a pin in the idea that Damon was ever a sure thing for Avatar. It’s a reminder that not every Hollywood tale is as straightforward as it sounds, and sometimes, the facts are a bit more ordinary than the legends.