James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ has been a work of art. The entire franchise is highly loved for its gripping storyline, amusing special effects, and stellar performances. It would not be wrong to say that the movie has been every actor’s dream project. However, did you know there are a few who said no ‘Avatar’? Yes, we know you are thinking that we are talking about Bollywood actor Govinda, but the list doesn’t start or end with him. There’s another star who said no to James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ and that actor is from the world of Hollywood. He is none other than Matt Damon who turned down the offer to be a part of the beloved sci-fi.
According to a 2019 Koimoi report, Matt Damon told British GQ in an interview that he was busy shooting for Jason Bourne movies and thus, had to say no to Avatar. However, if he had said yes, the actor believed he would have made at least $250 million.
“And when he offered it to me, he goes: ‘Now, listen. I don’t need anybody. I don’t need a name for this, a named actor. If you don’t take this, I’m gonna find an unknown actor and give it to him, because the movie doesn’t really need you. But if you take the part, I’ll give you 10% of the film’s profits,” said Matt.
On the one hand, where the monetary loss was a huge thing, on the other hand, Matt admitted he regrets not working with James Cameron. “I realized in having to say no that I was probably passing on the chance to ever work with him. So that sucked and that’s still brutal. But my kids are all eating. I’m doing OK,” he added.
The role then was given to the Australian actor Sam Worthington. He headlined ‘Avatar,’ one of the career-changing movies of his career.