Cameron Denies Damon's $250M Avatar Deal Claims
Director James Cameron disputes Matt Damon's story about being offered a massive 10% profit share for the lead role in Avatar, setting the record straight on what really happened during their discussions.
Matt Damon has long claimed he turned down a lucrative opportunity to star in James Cameron's Avatar, allegedly walking away from a deal worth 10% of the film's total earnings. With the original movie pulling in $2.9 billion worldwide, that would have meant a payday exceeding $250 million for the Jason Bourne actor. However, Cameron himself has now stepped forward to challenge this version of events.
Director Disputes Actor's Account
According to Cameron, while he and Damon did have conversations about potentially working together, no formal offer was ever extended. The filmmaker recalls receiving a phone call from Damon, who explained he couldn't commit to Avatar due to his existing obligations to the Bourne franchise. Cameron emphasized that their discussion never progressed to the point of negotiating specific terms or compensation packages.
"I can't remember if I sent him the script or not. Then we wound up on a call and he said, 'I love to explore doing a movie with you. I have a lot of respect for you as a filmmaker. [Avatar] sounds intriguing. But I really have to do this Jason Bourne movie. I've agreed to it, it's a direct conflict.' But he was never offered. There was never a deal. We never talked about the character. He felt compelled to call me personally and tell me; he said he didn't want it to come from the agent — that's an honorable guy," Cameron explained.
Cameron's Financial Success
The Avatar franchise has transformed Cameron into a billionaire, with the majority of his wealth stemming from these sci-fi blockbusters. Reports suggest the original film alone generated over $350 million for the director through box office receipts and home video sales, before accounting for taxes and fees. The sequel, The Way of Water, reportedly added another $95 million to his earnings, not including potential bonuses or long-term revenue streams.
With Avatar: Fire and Ash expected to join the exclusive $2 billion box office club when it releases in December 2025, industry projections estimate Cameron could earn approximately $200 million from the third installment. Despite correcting Damon's claims, the director expressed admiration for the actor's professionalism and suggested they might collaborate on future projects.