Matt Damons decision to turn down James Camerons 2009 space epic Avatar, which remains the highest-grossing movie of all time with $2.9 billion worldwide, remains one of the more infamous casting what-ifs of recent blockbuster history. Damon turned down the film despite an offer that included receiving 10% of the box office back end, which wouldve meant a $250 million payday for him.
During a recent interview with Chris Wallace, the Avatar offer got brought up again and prompted Damon to explain his thought process behind turning it down.
Im sure its the most money an actor ever turned down, you know? Damon said about his decision, stressing that he did not want to get out of his contract for another Jason Bourne movie at the time.
I had a contract, Damon said. 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 bit and I didnt want to do that. I desperately wanted to work with Cameron. I mean, because he worked so rarely.
I dont know how I could have left all my friends in the lurch. You know what I mean? Damon added about his decision to stay with Bourne over starting work on Avatar.
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, Damon continued. 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.'
Last December ahead of the Avatar sequel opening in theaters, Cameron laughed off Damons decision.
Hes beating himself up over this, Cameron told the BBC. And I really think you know, Matt youre kind of like one of the biggest movie stars in the world, get over it. But he had to do another Bourne film which was on his runway and there was nothing we could do about that. So he had to regretfully decline.
When pitched the idea of Damon having a cameo in a future Avatar sequel, Cameron responded, Must do it. We have to do it so the world is in equilibrium again. But he doesnt get 10%, fuck that.
Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water are now available to stream on Disney+.