James Cameron clarifies Matt Damon was never offered „Avatar“ role despite actor’s previous claims about turning down the film and percentage deal.
James Cameron is setting the record straight on casting choices for one of his most iconic movies.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter earlier this month, the 71-year-old director addressed previous claims made by Matt Damon that he was offered a role in „Avatar“ and a percentage of the film’s gross but had to turn it down because he was filming one of the „Jason Bourne“ movies.
„He was never offered the part“, Cameron said. „I can’t remember if I sent him the script or not. I don’t think I did. Then we wound up on a call, and he said, ‘I love to explore doing a movie with you. I have a lot of respect for you as a filmmaker. [‚Avatar‘] sounds intriguing. But I really have to do this ‘Jason Bourne’ movie. I’ve agreed to it, it’s a direct conflict, and so, regretfully, I have to turn it down.’
„But he was never offered“, Cameron continued. „There was never a deal. We never talked about the character. We never got to that level. It was simply an availability issue.“
The „Titanic“ director added that if getting a percentage of the film’s gross profit is what it would have taken to get Damon to agree to star in the film, „then it wouldn’t have happened.
