Well, this is a shame. After his friend Ben Affleck found renewed success in the directing field with Gone Baby Gone and The Town, Matt Damon was all set to make his debut with an untitled drama. The film, co-written by Damon with John Krasinski, based on a Dave Eggers idea, was set to star the former duo, as well as Frances McDormand. Vulture now reports some issues that have risen, leaving the project in jeopardy.
Damon has reportedly backed out of directing the film that would see him play “a salesman whose arrival in a small town leads to intense personal scrutiny that turns his life upside down.” Sources say that he still wants to star in the $12 million film, but oddest of all the reason for his exit is script issues…for a script he co-wrote himself.
Just a few weeks ago Damon expressed excitement, but some hesitation with directing his first feature. He said he was ready, but said “I feel like there is more riding on this one then there will be on the second one that I direct, because you only kind of get one chance to make a first impression.” So, what happened between then and now? Hopefully we’ll find out a soon. I understand Damon wanting to make sure his debut is up to the highest quality, but I really looked forward seeing what his directorial eye is. It looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer.
The film was expected to shoot this spring, but no word on whether Damon’s directorial departure will leave that start date in doubt. Stay tuned for updates.
If not Damon, who would you like to see direct this film? Could Krasinski get behind the camera for his sophomore effort?