10 Actors Who Became Unlikely Action Movie Stars

After his movie Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon burst onto the Hollywood scene. He continued his success thanks to significant roles in critically acclaimed movies like Saving Private Ryan and The Talented Mr Ripley. While he'd made a decent name for himself before those mainstream titles, these films would become his legacy for a time, as he was respected as a strong dramatic actor.

The concept of him breaking out into action was out of the question, and even more so, the idea of him playing an elite assassin who's closer to a superhuman than the average CIA operative was just absurd. However, after the release of the massive hit The Bourne Identity, he proved himself capable of a whole new facet of roles.

Jason Bourne was an incredible character, filled to the brim with skill and depth, which Damon brought to the forefront of his performance. He turned the part - and himself simultaneously - into an action icon, thanks to his fantastic stunt work, badass line delivery and utterly determined persona.

While he dabbled in action further, thanks to further Bourne sequels and flicks like Elysium, it was Identity where he made the most significant impact as an unlikely action star.