Would Will Hunting have existed if Matt Damon hadn’t lost this other role to Edward Norton?

Longtime friend Ben Affleck was betting big on Primal Fear, a psychological thriller starring Richard Gere. Flashback.

Although he is now considered one of the best actors of his generation, and certainly among the most popular, Matt Damon did not follow a clear path to success.

The actor was able to demonstrate the extent of his abilities through a series of leading roles in the 1990s, including The difference (1992), Fireproof (1996) and A hell of a ride (1995), but it is mainly his role in the inspiring drama Will Hunting who revealed it.

At the time, Matt Damon had lost a major role in Primal Fear (1996), for the benefit ofEdward Nortonas Aaron Stampler, a teenage murder suspect.

Primal Fear highlighted a flamboyant casting: Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Frances McDormand, Maura Tierney and the late Andrew Braugher. The opportunity to work on such an exciting project with such actors was an opportunity for any young actor to seize. In an interview with Sam Jones, Matt Damon revealed that he was so determined to get the role that he hired a dialect coach to master the character’s vocal changes. With his childhood friend Ben Affleckthey became obsessed with the character,”because it was clear that whoever got this role was going to explode”.

Despite the considerable work put into his hearing, Matt Damon lost to Edward Norton. Years later, he explained that losing the role was an event at the time.devastating” in his career. Matt Damon And Ben Affleck channeled their talents to Good Will Huntinga film that draws inspiration from their childhood experiences in Boston.

After selling the script to Harvey Weinstein, Will Hunting became a surprise success that propelled the two friends to the forefront of the Hollywood scene. The experience which allowed Matt Damon to continue working with great filmmakers.

Will Hunting: the origins of the triumph of Gus van Sant, Robin Williams, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck