Matt Damon rejected starring role in 2012 comedy film Ted

Actor Matt Damon revealed in an interview with GQ that he turned down the lead role of John Bennett in the 2012 comedy film Ted, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, and the AV Club. The character of Bennett was eventually played by Mark Wahlberg. Seth MacFarlane directed the feature project. [1][2][3][4]

Damon explained that he found the screenplay exceptionally funny and took it to a dinner where he read portions aloud to friends, according to the AV Club, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety. Despite his strong positive reaction to the material, Damon stated that he overthought the decision and talked himself out of taking the part, noting that he felt the title character was written with all the best lines. [1][2][3][4]

Damon gained industry prominence after co-writing and starring in the 1997 drama Good Will Hunting, which earned an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and grossed more than 225 million dollars globally. He later built a career as a bankable leading actor, headlining major studio franchises including the Ocean's Eleven and Bourne film series. [10][11]