Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal Turned Down Avatar
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Talk about regret!
Both Jake Gyllenhaal and Matt Damon turned down the starring role in blockbuster Avatar, the movie's director, James Cameron, tells the Los Angeles Times.
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"I don't think they ever had a problem with the CG," Cameron said. "Honestly, did I go out and try to woo them? No. I had my heart set on Sam. Maybe they sensed my lack of 100 percent commitment from me. Maybe it was the subject matter. This was a big Star Wars-type movie. They're both serious actors."
Instead, Sam Worthington -- who was living in his car while struggling to become an actor -- got the part. Cameron tells the Times that he only approached big-name stars to please the movie studio, but Worthington was always his first choice.
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Worthington has already signed up for the sequel to the flick, which has earned more than $2.5 billion in theaters worldwide.
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Gyllenhaal, 29, next stars in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Damon, 39, is up for best actor in a supporting role for drama Invictus.
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6thank the gods they did sam worthington was perfect for the role
You know they are kicking themselves or whom ever advised them. Reminds me in 1980 my english teach ask if I wanted to invest in Apple computers. Yes. Im kicking myself in a similar fashion.
Mr. Cameron: Thank gosh someone has the audacity to give fresh, new people like Sam a shot. As a struggling actor, I observe that studios are almost crippling when it comes to taking a chance on new faces. As an actor and film/tv lover, I hate seeing the same actors recycled over and over again. That's why people love Tyler Perry's films. He uses a mix of known and unknown actors. Kudos to you for bringing Sam on and also for casting Zoe Saldana (need I say why). Now, could you go down to S. Ryans' office and tell him to cast C.C. in "Ridealong"? Smile
I'm glady they both turned it down. I couldn't imagine anyone other than Sam. applause....
Damon is a very busy person. He has 6 movies coming out in the next year or two, one that just came out, and 4 in development. He can't be everywhere at once.
As much as I like both of them. I am so happy and pleased they choose Sam I think sam did a great job and would of did way better than the hot shots. now your a hot shot sam!