Matt Damon, one of Hollywood’s most reliable stars, rose to prominence through his portrayal of the protagonist in the Bourne film series. With a staggering box office revenue surpassing $1.6 billion, the franchise not only solidified Damon’s status but also revolutionized the action genre.
However, it is lesser known that director Doug Liman initially had different actors in mind for the role of Jason Bourne, with Brad Pitt being among those considered. However, after discussing his unique approach to an action movie with Matt Damon, Liman sensed that Damon comprehended his vision and was the right fit for the character.
Brad Pitt Received Offer to Portray Jason Bourne
As the 2000s began, the highly anticipated adaptation of Jason Bourne’s character was making its way to the silver screen. During this time, Brad Pitt received an offer to portray the iconic role. However, Pitt ultimately did not accept the opportunity, leaving the door open for the perfect candidate to emerge and secure the role.
During a certain period, Brad Pitt gave serious thought to assuming the lead role in the 2002 blockbuster The Bourne Identity, which eventually led to an immensely successful franchise. However, Pitt’s prior commitment to the film Spy Game, where he co-starred alongside Robert Redford, compelled him to decline the opportunity to play Jason Bourne.
Brad Pitt turned down The Bourne Identity Due to His Commitment to Spy Game
Brad Pitt’s career has been filled with numerous successes and accolades. Interestingly, there was a time when Pitt had to make a tough decision regarding his film choices. Despite missing out on some opportunities, Pitt has continued to thrive in Hollywood and has starred in numerous successful films.
Following their collaboration in Ocean’s 11, the role of the spy Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity fell into the hands of Matt Damon when Brad Pitt became unavailable. Ironically, Pitt’s commitment to Tony Scott‘s Spy Game reportedly led to his passing on the opportunity. The film achieved moderate success in terms of both critical acclaim and financial performance, although it didn’t leave a lasting impression as profound as The Bourne Identity. Subsequently, Damon received the offer that ultimately led to a highly successful movie franchise, accumulating a worldwide gross of over $1.6 billion.
Spy Game, starring Brad Pitt and Robert Redford, was released in 2001. With a hefty budget of $115 million, the film’s theatrical earnings of $143 million were decent but fell short of the studio’s expectations. Despite featuring two renowned actors, the movie proved that star power alone doesn’t guarantee a blockbuster at the box office.
Damon, on the other hand, kickstarted the momentum with The Bourne Identity, which marked the beginning of a successful journey for both the actor and the burgeoning franchise. The novel’s pre-existing fanbase provided a favorable advantage to the project, and with a modest budget of $60 million, the film went on to gross a remarkable $214 million. This achievement laid the foundation for a fresh and thriving film series.
Although Brad Pitt didn’t secure the role of Jason Bourne, he has undeniably remained a household name and a prominent figure in the industry. With his talent and charm, he has earned substantial wealth by securing leading roles in highly successful films. For years, Pitt has consistently ranked as one of the top movie stars in the business.
Source: The Things
