10 Even More Movie Roles Obviously Designed For Other Actors
4. Jake Sully In Avatar - Matt Damon
Despite leaving no cultural footprint whatsoever (except maybe its unfavourable comparisons to the Smurfs), Avatar is the highest-grossing movie of all time.
It's about Jake Sully, a disabled man who travels to the far-flung world of Pandora. With the help of a big fake blue body, he falls in love with one of the locals, and helps them stop an evil corporation.
Why did this film make nearly three billion dollars again?
The role of Sully was originally offered to Matt Damon, a deal that included a 10% cut of the film's box office. However, he turned the role down to focus on the Bourne series.
That's like turning down a rump steak to focus on a hamburger you found on the floor!
The part eventually went to Sam Worthington, who gives off huge "We have Matt Damon at home" energy. They even kinda look the same.
It's unlikely that Damon would have brought anything new to this bland character, but James Cameron didn't have to be quite so transparent about his desire to have him in his movie.
How many times do you reckon he called Worthington "Matt" on set?