Damon had his eye on directing an untitled project about two rival executives, which he had co-written with John Krasinski, but for a variety of reasons he felt he needed to step down from that particular role. He is said to still be in line to star (alongside Krasinski) and of course he hasn’t un-written it, so his involvement remains significant. Reports abound that with his filming duties for Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium over-running and various other irons in the fire, he did not feel able to take on directing the film as well.
Steven Soderbergh had looked like a viable option for stepping in, but he has his roster full as well, though another director with whom Damon has plenty of history may be on board now, in the shape of Gus Vant Sant. Van Sant of course directed Matt Damon to an Oscar nomination in Good Will Hunting and also directed the off-beat film Gerry, which Damon starred in and co-wrote.
As is perennially the case, there is no firm word on this, just confirmation of discussions and deliberations. Shooting had been pencilled in for March 2012 onwards, which gives a reasonable amount of run in time, but Van Sant may want or need more pre-production if he is to take up the reins. In the meantime, we will have to wait and see whether Damon can match the directing chops of his friend and Good Will Hunting alumnus Ben Affleck, who after a few years in the wilderness has hit his groove with Gone Baby Gone and The Town. Watch this space.
The source of all this? Indie Wire.
