Jake Gyllenhaal, Matt Damon Turned Down 'Avatar'

By PopEater Staff Posted Feb 23rd 2010 03:20PM

At this point, 'Avatar' wouldn't be the same without Sam Worthington playing the lead. But director James Cameron recently revealed to the L.A. Times that he initially wanted to cast Matt Damon or Jake Gyllenhaal -- who both turned down the role. Wonder if they're regretting that right now?

'Avatar' has already racked up over $2.05 billion at the worldwide box office and scored nine Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. The movie also walked away with a few Golden Globe Awards, winning for Best Motion Picture – Drama and Best Director.

It comes as no surprise then that director James Cameron already has a sequel in the works. Maybe Damon and Gyllenhaal will get a second chance?

"I haven't started thinking about the story yet, although I have a general story arc for it," Cameron said during an appearence on 'Larry King Live.' "But we have had some technical discussion of how we would do it."

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=839394&pid=839393&uts=1266955899

http://www.popeater.com/mm_track/popeater/movies/?s_channel=us.moviespop&s_account=aolpopeater,aolsvc&omni=1&ke=1

http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf

Jake Gyllenhaal Photos

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Jake Gyllenhaal (C) attends a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 8, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jake Gyllenhaal

Getty Images

Getty Images North America

Jake Gyllenhaal Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Jake Gyllenhaal (R) attends a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 8, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Jake Gyllenhaal attends a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 8, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal Snapshots

Actor Jake Gyllenhaal attends an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers, Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 101-89.(AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Jake Gyllenhaal Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: Actor Vince Vaughn (C) talks with actor Jake Gyllenhaal (L) and producer Jerry Bruckheimer during intermission during the game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings on January 19, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Vince Vaughn;Jake Gyllenhaal;Jerry Bruckheimer

Jake Gyllenhaal Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 19: Actor Jake Gyllenhaal (L) and producer Jerry Bruckheimer watch the game between the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings on January 19, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noah Graham/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jake Gyllenhaal;Jerry Bruckheimer

Jake Gyllenhaal Snapshots

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Jake Gyllenhaal looks back as he is escorted out of LAX by a police officer. NON-EXCLUSIVE December 3rd, 2010 Job: 100103NR1 Los Angeles, California www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

Jake Gyllenhaal Snapshots

Tags: Avatar, jake gyllenhaal, james cameron, matt damon

Comments

(31)

Wednesday 24 February

By marymelon

Vote down Vote up Report this

If you don't care, don't take the poll!

By Jim L

Who cares (and I really mean that)!

Saturday 27 February

By Carlos

Jake is a terrible actor!

Friday 26 February

By adam

They said the same crap about Matt Dillon turning down his role in 1997s Titanic only for DiCaprio to take the lead.

James Cameron is an awesome director, so it doesnt matter who acts in it.

I mean Jason Patrick didn't do too well..........what you mean you don't know who Jason Patrick is? (T-1000 Liquid Metal Man from Terminator 2-Judgement Day?)

His next film was Double Dragon the worst Video Game to Film adaptation after T2, and then he faded into obscurity sonn after.

By Palmer

Actually I see what's her name from Millionaire Dollar Baby or maybe Jodie Foster in the role since you can't tell male from female. Believe me this movie would have done nothing for Matt or Jake's career. And if you read the article Cameron said I would have liked Damon or Gyllenhaal in the role not I asked them . Different situation. So it appears they were never asked . This is all hype and everybody fell for it.

Tuesday 02 March

By caro

Avatar would've sucked big time if Sam wasn't the lead, and what could they do in the sequel? Replace Sam Worthington? NoooooOOOooo!

Wednesday 03 March

By kumar

I don't care about Jake.
But Matt Damon is too good for Avatar. I like the movie, but Damon's good in movies with a mind, a great plot and good characters.
Like Bourne, Departed, Informant...and GREEN ZONE. Saw the screening. Amazing!

By whiet.horse

Jake would be perfect, I think that Sam dont have that much talent, watch Avatar again but pay atention on Sam acting - he has stoned face, his emotions don't realy play good with dialog. Jake is great actor and he was better choice - as you can see he was first pick not Sam...it would be other way around if Sam was better actor.

Tuesday 16 March

By Becky

All is I have to say is this,"Cameron,you picked "exact" right guy for Avatar! Sam Worthing I feel will be The Next Kurt Russel.
Well even over his status!!! Sam's got all heart,soul,and sizzle's!!!!

C'Mon folks,Matt Damon(no offense),but I don't think that would have taken off as good as it hyad with Sam Worthington's hard work dedacations,not to mention sexiest!!!!

Thursday 25 March

By aprilstp

Thank god it was neither of those two. Sam Worthington exuded more heart...even from those atrophied legs...than those two can ever muster.

Page 2 of 2