Matt Damon Turned Down Lead Role in “Avatar” and 10% of the Profits

Matt Damon turned down the lead role in the sci-fi blockbuster “Avatar” despite James Cameron offering him 10 percent of the film’s profits.

During a panel at the Cannes Festival, the star of “The Bourne Identity” and “Good Will Hunting” revealed that he turned down Cameron’s offer because the filming schedule did not suit him.

“I was offered a role in a small movie called Avatar. James Cameron offered me 10 percent of the profits from it,” Damon said.

Reflecting on this, the actor joked that this decision would go down in history.

“You’ll never meet an actor who turned down more money,” Damon said with a smile.

The filming of Avatar coincided with his work on the popular Jason Bourne franchise.

Avatar earned more than $2.8 billion worldwide. After Damon, Cameron offered the role to Sam Worthington but did not offer him 10 percent of the profits.