Matt Damon passed on starring role in 2012 comedy Ted

Actor Matt Damon revealed in a new interview with GQ magazine that he passed on the lead role of John Bennett in Seth MacFarlane's 2012 comedy movie Ted. The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Variety all reported on the interview, in which Damon stated that he talked himself out of taking the role despite loving the script. [1][2][5]

Damon explained that he laughed heavily while reading the script and even read parts of it out loud to friends at dinner. According to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety, Damon said he got too clever by half and overthought the project, questioning whether the titular teddy bear character would end up being the best part of the movie. [1][2][5]

The role of John Bennett, the best friend of the foul-mouthed teddy bear, ultimately went to Mark Wahlberg. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Wahlberg, like Damon, is a Boston native. Damon expressed regret over passing on the project, stating that he does not know what he was thinking at the time. [1][2][5]

Damon stars as Odysseus in the 2026 epic action fantasy film The Odyssey, written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem follows Odysseus on his journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. [1][10]