The Oscar-winning role from 2016 that was meant for Matt Damon
Having enjoyed a stellar career that few actors could hope for, the life of Matt Damon is not without its missteps.
Damon first burst onto the scene with the acclaimed Good Will Hunting, garnering a heap of acclaim, including the Academy Award for ‘Best Original Screenplay’. The gong likely holds pride of place for Damon, but he could have held another gleaming statuette in his hands, had things gone as expected.
Awards recognition has never been far from Damon throughout his career. Whether as a writer, producer or performer, he has consistently found himself involved in projects that resonate with both critics and audiences alike.
Like many actors who have enjoyed long careers, Damon has occasionally found himself at the centre of intriguing Hollywood what-ifs. Some projects never materialised, while others slipped away due to scheduling conflicts, creating alternate versions of his career that are fascinating to imagine.
Hollywood is full of near-misses, and there is a good reason one might think Damon will rue giving away his role in Manchester by the Sea after it bagged an Academy Award for leading man Casey Affleck.
Of course, things weren’t all bad. Damon was a producer on Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester by the Sea, and he was initially set to star as the lead. However, due to a string of other commitments, Damon had to step away from the part. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Bourne Identity star then recruited his longtime friend Casey Affleck for the role of Lee Chandler. The decision proved successful, as Affleck won the Oscar for ‘Best Actor’ for his brooding performance.
Despite his most prominent role coming as the all-action hero, Jason Bourne, Damon is now renowned for his versatile acting skills and engaging screen presence. His breakout role came with the aforementioned break out hit in 1997, starring his friend and co-writer Ben Affleck as well as Robin Williams who gained his only Academy Award for the movie.
Over the years, Damon has starred in various genres, from the action-packed Bourne series to the dramatic The Talented Mr. Ripley and the sci-fi epic The Martian. One of Hollywood’s most liked performers, Damon’s ability to traverse genre and commit himself wholeheartedly to his projects has made him a go-to for producers and directors looking to launch a project. He is, in one sense or another, a safe pair of hands. However, even the biggest admirers of the star would have struggled to see him in the Lee Chandler role.
Manchester by the Sea is a poignant drama that explores themes of grief, guilt, and redemption. The film follows Casey Affleck’s Lee Chandler as he returns to his hometown to take care of his nephew after his brother’s tragic death. The role, it appeared, was just a little too much for the perennially busy performer to take on.
Damon’s involvement as a producer and his influence in casting Affleck likely contributed to the film’s success, ultimately leading to its recognition at the Academy Awards. But one can’t help but feel he likely rues not having a shot at gaining the coveted ‘Best Actor’ award at the Oscars.
In hindsight, Manchester by the Sea stands as one of Hollywood’s more remarkable examples of a casting change benefiting everyone involved. Affleck delivered the performance of his career, Damon helped shepherd an acclaimed film to completion, and the project earned the recognition it deserved. While it’s tempting to wonder what might have been, the outcome suggests the right actor ended up in the role at exactly the right time.
