Major Avengers: Doomsday Star Almost Played Avatar Lead According To Director James Cameron

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The incredibly successful Avatar franchise recently released its third movie, Avatar: Fire & Ash, in cinemas. Directed by James Cameron, the original Avatar film came out in 2009 and made an astounding $2.7 billion worldwide, with later releases increasing its total earnings to $2.9 billion. The film stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Michelle Rodriguez.

The movie centers on Jake Sully (played by Sam Worthington), a marine paralyzed from the waist down. He joins the Avatar Program, which sends people to explore the alien world of Pandora in search of valuable resources. However, Jake ultimately discovers a sense of belonging and love with the Na’vi, the native people of Pandora. Director James Cameron originally wanted an actor no one knew for the lead role, but the studio insisted on someone who would later become famous in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Cameron explained that three young actors were struggling with their careers when they auditioned for the film. He noted that all three eventually became movie stars. The actors went through a rigorous audition process, which included standard auditions, multiple visits to the set, and chemistry tests with Zoe Saldaña, to determine the best fit for the roles.

Cameron explained that she always found herself drawn back to Sam, but the studio preferred other actors. She specifically mentioned the people at Fox liked someone else – possibly Channing Tatum – for the role.

James Cameron recently clarified comments made by Matt Damon about the role of Jake in Avatar. Damon had stated that Cameron offered him the part along with a 10% share of the film’s profits, explaining that Cameron told him, “The movie doesn’t really need you, it doesn’t need a movie star. The movie is the star, and it’s going to work. But if you do it, I’ll give you 10 percent of the movie.”

Cameron responded to Damon’s story by sharing his recollection of events during the making of Avatar. He stated, “I don’t recall whether I actually sent him the script.” They later spoke on the phone, and Damon expressed interest in working with Cameron, saying he admired Cameron’s filmmaking and found Avatar interesting. However, Damon explained he’d already committed to the Jason Bourne film and that it created a scheduling conflict. Cameron clarified that Damon was never formally offered a role, there was no agreement ever made, and they didn’t even discuss the specific character.

Cameron confirmed there was no agreement, and strongly denied that Damon would have gotten 10% of the movie’s earnings. He explained, “If that’s what Damon thought it would take to be in Avatar, then the project wouldn’t have moved forward,” according to the director of Titanic.

Cameron was certain Worthington was the perfect actor for the role, stating he’d willingly follow him into battle, or even into hell. You can now see the result in theaters with Avatar: Fire & Ash.

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2025-12-28 19:10