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James Cameron Denies Matt Damon Was Ever Offered Avatar Lead Role
For years, Matt Damon has shared a Hollywood “what if?” story that captured fans’ imagination: that he turned down the lead role in Avatar and, with it, a reported $250–$290 million payday. Now, Avatar director James Cameron is pushing back—firmly—against that narrative.
In a new interview, James Cameron stated unequivocally that Matt Damon was never actually offered the role of Jake Sully in the groundbreaking 2009 blockbuster. “There was never a deal,” Cameron said. “We never talked about the character. We never got to that level.”
Matt Damon’s Long-Standing Claim
Matt Damon previously said he was offered 10% of Avatar’s profits but declined because of a scheduling conflict with a Jason Bourne film. Given that Avatar went on to gross nearly $2.8 billion worldwide, the actor has estimated that decision cost him around $250 million, a figure often cited as one of the biggest missed paydays in Hollywood history.
The story resurfaced repeatedly over the years, most recently in interviews where Damon referred to it as his biggest career regret.
“It Was Simply an Availability Issue”
According toJames Cameron, the truth is far less dramatic. While he and Matt Damon did discuss the possibility of collaborating, the conversation never progressed beyond a preliminary stage.
“I can’t remember if I even sent him the script,” James Cameron explained. He recalled a phone call in which Matt Damon expressed interest in working together but said he was already committed to a Bourne film, making the timing impossible. “He was never offered. There was never a deal. It was simply an availability issue.”
James Cameron also dismissed the idea that Matt Damon could have secured a massive profit-sharing agreement. If such terms were required, the director said bluntly, “then it wouldn’t have happened—trust me on that.”
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Mutual Respect Despite the Confusion
Despite correcting the record, Cameron was careful to praise Matt Damon’s professionalism. He noted that Damon personally called him to explain the conflict rather than letting agents handle it. “That’s an honorable guy,” James Cameron said, adding that he would still love to work with Matt Damon in the future.
James Cameron with Sam Worthington, who plays the role of Jake Sully
Who Really Became Jake Sully?
The coveted role ultimately went to Sam Worthington, who has led the franchise through Avatar (2009), Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash, which hits theaters on December 19. Channing Tatum was also reportedly considered at one point before Worthington was cast.
While the idea of Matt Damon losing hundreds of millions makes for a great Hollywood anecdote, James Cameron’s clarification suggests that payday was never on the table. For Damon, it may finally put a 16-year-old “what if” to rest.
