Matt Damon‘s famous story of turning down Avatar has been addressed by James Cameron. The director has now shared what really happened during the production of his 2009 sci-fi blockbuster.
James Cameron denies Matt Damon’s involvement in Avatar
In the past, Matt Damon expressed his regret about turning down the leading role in Avatar. The Martian star had explained how James Cameron offered him the role of Jake Sully in exchange for 10 percent of the film’s returns. “Jim Cameron called me — he offered me 10 percent of Avatar,” Damon said during an interview. “You will never meet an actor who turned down more money than me,” he added.
However, Cameron has recently revealed some inaccuracies in Damon’s story. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the director said, “[Damon] was never offered the part. I can’t remember if I sent him the script or not. I don’t think I did?”
Cameron continued, “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. 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 further added, “Now what he’s done is he’s extrapolated ‘I get 10 percent of the gross on all my films.’ And if, in his mind, that’s what it would’ve taken for him to do Avatar, then it wouldn’t have happened. Trust me on that.”
In conclusion, Cameron jokingly consoled Damon, saying, “So he’s off the hook and doesn’t have to beat himself up anymore. Matt, it’s okay, buddy! You didn’t miss anything.” The filmmaker also called Damon “an honorable guy,” saying that he would “love to work with him someday.”
Meanwhile, Avatar: Fire and Ash comes out in theaters on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Originally reported by Namrata Ghosh on Mandatory.
