Actor Matt Damon is being strongly encouraged to participate in James Cameron’s latest adaptation to make up for his prior decision that led to missing out on the blockbuster success of Avatar. This upcoming project, based on Joe Abercrombie’s fantasy novel The Devils, offers Damon a chance to collaborate with Cameron again under promising circumstances.
Matt Damon’s earlier refusal to star in Cameron’s Avatar resulted in one of the most significant missed opportunities of his career. Now, with Cameron investing in the adaptation of The Devils, Damon’s involvement could help rectify that lost moment and potentially create a memorable performance in the fantasy genre.
The Costly Missed Opportunity with Avatar
Matt Damon’s unfortunate decision to turn down the lead role in James Cameron’s Avatar became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about missed chances. In an interview with CNN, Damon revealed that he had declined an offer that included a 10% share of the film’s profits—a deal that could have earned him near $250 million given the movie’s $2.9 billion box office success.
At the time, Damon was under contract with the Bourne series, playing the iconic character Jason Bourne, which prevented him from accepting Cameron’s offer. The role of Jake Sully, which Damon passed on, was ultimately played by Sam Worthington.
“I’m sure it’s the most money an actor ever turned down, you know?”
—Matt Damon, Actor
This admission underlines the scale of Damon’s regret. However, this does not mean Damon must miss out again. Cameron’s newest venture—adapting The Devils—has the potential to be an even wilder and more ambitious project, offering Damon an opportunity to reverse his earlier mistake.
Why Matt Damon Should Embrace the Role in The Devils
James Cameron’s adaptation of Joe Abercrombie’s The Devils is set in an alternate medieval Europe, populated by immortal knights, werewolves, pirates, vampires, monks, and necromancers. The story follows Brother Diaz as he leads a covert group on a perilous mission, blending fantasy with dark, complex characters and settings.
Among the characters, Duke Michael stands out as a morally nuanced figure. Many believe Matt Damon would be well suited to portray this role, which demands depth and complexity far exceeding that of his would-be part in the Avatar franchise.
Unlike a potential cameo appearance in the Avatar sequels, which Cameron reportedly intended for Damon, taking on Duke Michael would provide the actor with a substantive, challenging role acting alongside a director he respects.
“It’s nuts. The whole thing is off its t**s”
—James Cameron, Director
Cameron’s enthusiasm for the novel’s extraordinary story underscores the project’s potential to captivate audiences even more than Avatar. The director has noted how the adaptation’s craziness attracted him, which further highlights why Damon’s involvement in such a high-profile role could benefit both the actor and the film.
Balancing Past Regrets with Future Possibilities
While Cameron has expressed interest in giving Damon a cameo in the upcoming Avatar sequels, he commented on BBC Radio One that such a role would not include the lucrative profit-sharing offer Damon missed before.
“We have to do it so the world is in equilibrium again. But he doesn’t get 10%.”
—James Cameron, Director
This statement reflects Cameron’s willingness to include Damon, but also clarifies the limits of this gesture. Instead of settling for a brief appearance, Damon can pursue a more meaningful collaboration by joining The Devils, potentially restoring both his standing with Cameron and his career momentum.
The Devils is scheduled for release after the initial Avatar sequels, with full details on casting and production timelines expected to emerge soon. Meanwhile, the first Avatar sequel, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is slated to premiere theatrically in the United States on December 19, 2025.
This moment offers Matt Damon a critical opportunity to correct past regrets and once again align with James Cameron in a significant film project that could redefine his filmography and satiate fans eager to see the two creative forces unite.
