James Cameron Refutes Matt Damon's $250M Avatar Salary Story

Before Sam Worthington landed the lead in Avatar, Matt Damon was reportedly in the running for the role. Damon has claimed he was offered a staggering 10% of the film ’s total earnings—a deal that, given Avatar’s box office haul of nearly $2.9 billion, would have meant a payout of over $250 million. The actor once recounted,

[Cameron] was really lovely, he said: ‘If you don’t do this, this movie doesn’t really need you. It doesn’t need a movie star at all. The movie is the star, the idea is the star, and it’s going to work. But if you do it, I’ll give you 10 percent of the movie’.

James Cameron Addresses the Rumors

James Cameron has now addressed these rumors, clarifying that while he and Damon did discuss the possibility of working together, no such lucrative offer was ever made. The director explained that Damon called him personally to decline the opportunity, citing his commitment to the Jason Bourne franchise. Cameron said he couldn’t recall if he ever sent Damon a script, but he appreciated the actor’s directness and professionalism.

Reflecting on the conversation, Cameron stated,

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’s Take on Damon’s Comments

While Damon’s story has made headlines, Cameron insists the actor may have misunderstood or exaggerated the details. The director joked,

Matt, it’s okay, buddy! You didn’t miss anything.

Despite the mix-up, Cameron expressed admiration for Damon and left the door open for a future collaboration.

Even without the supposed 10% deal, Damon would have earned a significant sum had he joined the blockbuster franchise. The Avatar series has become a box office powerhouse, and Cameron himself has reaped the rewards.

James Cameron’s Avatar Earnings

Cameron’s financial success from the franchise is undeniable. The first film alone reportedly brought him over $350 million from box office and home video sales, before taxes and fees. The sequel, The Way of Water, is said to have added another $95 million to his earnings, not counting bonuses or future revenue.

With the third installment, Fire & Ash, expected to join the exclusive $2 billion club, projections suggest Cameron could see another $200 million from the upcoming release. The director and his groundbreaking sci-fi universe continue to set new standards in the industry.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to premiere on December 19, 2025, in the United States.