James Cameron denies Matt Damon turned down largest payday in appearing historical past for Avatar

James Cameron is clearing issues up after Matt Damon claimed he’d missed out on the largest pay cheque in appearing historical past.

Again in 2019, Damon mentioned in an interview with British GQ that he had been supplied the function of Jake Sully within the authentic 2009 blockbuster, claiming that he had been supplied 10 % of the earnings if he took on the function.

As followers of the ever-growing franchise know, the primary movie was an enormous success, grossing $2.9 billion on the field workplace. This could imply that Damon missed out on an enormous $250 million payday. The function as a substitute went to Sam Worthington.

This declare has understandably grow to be a viral speaking level amongst movie followers ever since, and with the arrival of extra Avatar movies, together with the brand new movie Avatar: Hearth and Ash, it’s receiving renewed consideration.

Nonetheless, all is just not what it appears and Cameron has come out and clarified some issues.

“There was by no means a deal,” Cameron told The Hollywood Reporter. “We by no means talked in regards to the character.”

Nicely, that is awkward.

“He was by no means supplied the half,” Cameron mentioned. “I can’t bear in mind if I despatched him the script or not. I don’t assume I did?

“Then we wound up on a name and he mentioned, ‘I like to discover doing a film with you. I’ve lots of respect for you as a filmmaker. [Avatar] sounds intriguing.

“However I actually have to do that Jason Bourne film. I’ve agreed to it, it’s a direct battle, and so, regretfully, I’ve to show it down.’”

Cameron clarified: “However he was by no means supplied. There was by no means a deal. It was merely an availability concern.”

The Titanic director supplied an evidence for why there could also be some confusion on Damon’s finish.

He mentioned: “Now what he’s finished is he’s extrapolated ‘I get 10 % of the gross on all my movies.’ And if, in his thoughts, that’s what it will’ve taken for him to do Avatar, then it wouldn’t have occurred. Belief me on that.”

“So he’s off the hook and doesn’t must beat himself up anymore,” Cameron playfully provides. “Matt, it’s okay, buddy! You didn’t miss something.”



It doesn’t sound like there’s any unhealthy blood between Damon and Cameron, with the enduring director saying that turning down the function as a result of he was hooked up to do one other challenge was the ‘moral’ transfer.

Cameron mentioned: “He felt compelled to name me personally and inform me; he mentioned he didn’t need it to return from the agent — that’s an honorable man.

“So all respect to Matt. I’d like to work with him sometime. However that by no means occurred. It was a conflation of various issues that have been occurring.”

LADbible has approached Damon’s representatives for remark.