Being one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, and winning a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon has proved his worth in the entertainment industry many times over. Further, turning his Bourne film series into one of the most successful spy thrillers, Damon turned towards his 2015 feature The Martian.
From previously being a renowned spy to a stranded astronaut in The Martian, Matt Damon felt his performance in the 2015 movie was very reminiscent of his time in the Bourne franchise. But the actor mentioned if it was not for director Ridley Scott, Damon would have never taken the risk of appearing in The Martian.
Weird Correlation Between The Martian And Bourne Series
Matt Damon is best known for his work and appearance in Good Will Hunting, alongside his old-time pal Ben Affleck. However, after that movie that landed him an Oscar, the actor has come a long way in his career and appeared in several acclaimed projects. But none could make a difference to his career like the Bourne franchise.
Appearing as a spy in thriller movies, Matt Damon tapped into a world almost similar to that of James Bond. However, his movies created a different fanbase and were hailed by the audiences. Following his appearance as Jason Bourne, the actor later appeared in Ridley Scott’s 2015 movie The Martian, as a stranded astronaut.
The particular movie changed his career trajectory for good, although Damon was initially quite doubtful about the project and his appearance. Finding bizarre similarities between The Martian and his Bourne movies, Matt Damon discussed with Smithsonian magazine, how in both the projects his character ended up alone, at one point.
“The closest thing would probably be the Bourne movies. I end up on my own, usually, in those, at least in the second two. But that was the appeal of this [The Martian].”
Matt Damon Had Faith In Ridley Scott For The Martian
Finding his performance in The Martian very reminiscent of his time on the Bourne series, Matt Damon reflected on how he almost decided to refuse the opportunity. Although the two projects were extremely different, Damon was hooked on that one particular similarity of his character being left out.
“It was so different from anything I’d ever done before. I have these long monologues to nobody.”
Discussing with Smithsonian magazine, Matt Damon revealed how he almost refused to appear in the 2015 sci-fi movie. Having lots of doubts about his character and also finding the storyline of The Martian quite similar to Robinson Crusoe, the actor nearly turned down the project if not for Ridley Scott.
“I never would’ve considered doing it had it not been for a world-class director. It’s a very risky thing to do, but I had faith in Ridley being able to strike the right tone for it.”
Stating how his faith in the director and his vision helped him overcome his doubt and appear in the movie, Matt Damon expressed his gratitude towards Scott. Praising the director, Damon stated, “I figured going to space with Ridley was a good bet.” Therefore, eventually believing in the director and the project, Damon turned The Martian into an extraordinary film.
Watch The Martian on Amazon Prime Video.
Source: Smithsonian
