James Cameron Sets Record Straight: Matt Damon Was Never Offered Avatar Role

Director James Cameron has directly addressed a long-standing Hollywood story. He says actor Matt Damon was never formally offered the lead role in 2009’s “Avatar.” Cameron spoke to The Hollywood Reporter this week. His comments contradict Damon’s own telling of events over the years.

The clarification ends years of speculation about one of film’s biggest “what if” casting choices. Cameron insists the discussion never reached the offer stage. He says it was purely a scheduling conflict with Damon’s prior “Bourne” commitment.

The Director’s Version Contradicts a $250 Million Story

Cameron recalls a simple phone conversation. He says Damon expressed interest but had a direct conflict. The actor was committed to filming “The Bourne Ultimatum.” According to Cameron, Damon said, “I’d love to explore doing a movie with you… But I really have to do this Jason Bourne movie.”

This differs sharply from Damon’s public anecdotes. The actor claimed he turned down the role of Jake Sully. He said it would have netted him 10% of the film’s massive box office gross. That could have been worth roughly $250 million.

Cameron firmly denies any financial discussion occurred. “He was never offered the part,” the director stated. He added that a 10% gross deal would never have happened. Sam Worthington ultimately landed the career-defining part.

A Lasting Hollywood “What If” Put to Rest

The myth grew because “Avatar” became the highest-grossing film of all time. Damon’s story of passing on a fortune became a famous Hollywood cautionary tale. Cameron’s new comments aim to settle the record for good.

The director even offered Damon some lighthearted absolution. “He’s off the hook and doesn’t have to beat himself up anymore,” Cameron joked. He told the actor he didn’t miss anything. The franchise continues with its original star, Sam Worthington, firmly in place.

This clarification from James Cameron finally puts the Matt Damon Avatar saga to rest. It rewrites a piece of modern Hollywood folklore that had been accepted for years.

Info at your fingertips

What did Matt Damon originally say about the Avatar role?

Damon claimed he was offered the lead role. He said turning it down cost him a potential $250 million, which would have been 10% of the film’s gross profits.

Why does James Cameron say Damon wasn’t offered the part?

Cameron states the discussion never progressed to a formal offer or contract talks. He says it was only ever a preliminary chat about availability, which Damon didn’t have.

Who actually played Jake Sully in Avatar?

Australian actor Sam Worthington was cast as Jake Sully. He has played the role in all three Avatar films released to date.

How much money did the first Avatar movie make?

Avatar earned approximately $2.9 billion worldwide. It remains the highest-grossing film in global box office history.

Are more Avatar sequels planned?

Yes. Avatar 3, titled “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” was released in December 2025. Plans for fourth and fifth films exist but depend on the ongoing box office performance of the series