This actor lost more money than any man can.
Matt Damon’s refusal of the leading role in James Cameron’s “Avatar” has been recounted previously. However, suppose you’re familiar with the financial ramifications of that decision. In that case, you’re presumably not surprised that he occasionally brings it up.
A recent masterclass seminar at the Cannes Film Festival disclosed that Damon refused more money than any other actor. Cameron reportedly offered Damon a ten percent stake in the film’s box office receipts because he was interested in having him star in his unconventional project.
As you undoubtedly already know, the film became the highest-grossing film of all time, grossing \$2.8 billion worldwide, including multiple re-releases over the years. Damon revealed, “Jim Cameron provided me with Avatar. When he gave it to me, he said, “Now, listen. I don’t need anybody.”
“I do not require a moniker for this actor. If you don’t accept this, I’ll locate an unknown actor and give it to him, since the film doesn’t need you. But if you accept the role, I’ll give you 10% of the proceeds.”
The actor essentially forfeited $250 million in royalties after the film grossed billions when all the potential lost royalties were considered. Damon stated that he chose not to participate in “Avatar” due to his commitment to the then-current “Bourne” franchise, a decision he characterized as moral rather than financial in nature, as he did not want to abandon the “Bourne” series in the middle of production.
Cameron ultimately went in a completely different direction when casting the leading role in “Avatar,” selecting Sam Worthington instead. It is fair to assume that, as a relative unknown, Worthington was neither offered nor received a ten percent cut of “Avatar’s” enormous box office gross.
Also of interest is what Damon claims his friend John Krasinski said about his $200 million mistake: “Nothing in your life would be different if you had done ‘Avatar,’ except that you and I would be having this conversation in space.”
According to the most recent estimate, Damon is doing quite well financially, with a net worth of $170 million. However, one cannot help but consider that the distress caused by missing out on $250 million would cause anyone to lose sleep.
With multiple “Avatar” sequels rumored to be in the works, Damon is unlikely to forget his fateful decision anytime soon. Despite knowing the sting of missed opportunity, Damon acknowledges that he is still doing quite well in his chosen profession, despite not having “Avatar.”
“So, yes. I’ve actually left more money on the table than any actor… So that was awful, and it’s still devastating. However, all of my children are currently eating. I’m doing OK.”
Damon has been a Hollywood celebrity for over 25 years. Since his breakthrough in 1997’s Good Will Hunting, he has portrayed roles ranging from eccentric characters to action heroes. Whether you recognize him from the “Bourne” series, “Dogma,” “The Martian,” or something else, Matt Damon has starred in many commercially and critically successful films.
However, Damon’s most recent endeavor will likely be his most lucrative. According to a competing service’s executive, Salke heard the proposal for the film and purchased it for $160 million. And with that enormous overall fee, the rival executive made a somewhat audacious claim regarding Damon’s compensation.