Director James Cameron has officially addressed actor Matt Damon’s 2019 claim that he was offered the lead role in the 2009 blockbuster Avatar. Damon previously stated he had turned down the role of Jake Sully, citing a potential 10% share of the film’s profits—an estimated $250 million he reportedly missed out on. However, Cameron clarified that Damon was never formally offered the part.

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The Record Straight on Jake Sully

In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cameron explained the discussions he had with Damon regarding the original film:

“He was never offered the part. There was never a deal. We never talked about the character. It was simply an availability issue.”

Cameron recounted that he and Damon spoke casually about working together, but Damon had already committed to another project—the Jason Bourne film—making it impossible to join the Avatar cast:

“He said, ‘I love to explore doing a movie with you. I have a lot of respect for you as a filmmaker. [Avatar] sounds intriguing. But I really have to do this Jason Bourne movie. I’ve agreed to it, it’s a direct conflict, and so, regretfully, I have to turn it down.’”

Cameron emphasized that while Damon showed interest, the conversation never advanced to script readings, negotiations, or an actual offer.

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Damon’s Potential $250 Million Share

Damon had claimed that he passed on a deal that could have earned him 10% of Avatar’s box office profits. The 2009 film ultimately grossed $2.79 billion worldwide, which fueled the actor’s reported regret.

Cameron addressed this directly, noting that such a deal was never discussed and likely would not have materialized:

“If that agreement is what it would have taken to get Damon on the film, then it wouldn’t have happened—trust me on that.”

Despite the discrepancy, Cameron praised Damon for handling the situation professionally and personally reaching out to him:

“He felt compelled to call me personally and tell me; he said he didn’t want it to come from the agent—that’s an honorable guy. So all respect to Matt. I’d love to work with him someday.”

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Casting Jake Sully: Sam Worthington Takes the Role

Ultimately, the lead role of Jake Sully went to Australian actor Sam Worthington, who reprised the character in the upcoming third installment, Avatar: Fire and Ash. Other actors, including Channing Tatum, were also reportedly considered for the role during early casting discussions.

Worthington’s portrayal of Jake Sully anchors the franchise, alongside returning characters such as Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) and new additions like Kiri (Sigourney Weaver). The ongoing story explores the next generation of Na’vi and human interactions on Pandora.

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Avatar: Fire and Ash Hits Theaters

The third Avatar installment, Fire and Ash, debuts in theaters on December 19, 2025, continuing James Cameron’s expansive vision for Pandora. The film blends groundbreaking visual effects with compelling character arcs, including Weaver’s portrayal of Kiri and Worthington’s continued role as Jake Sully.

Fans can now experience the latest chapter in the franchise while enjoying behind-the-scenes stories, like Cameron’s clarification regarding Matt Damon and the history of Jake Sully’s casting.