Harsh Vardhan
Matt Damon’s illustrious career in Hollywood has been nothing short of remarkable, characterized by his exceptional talent, versatility, and a string of critically acclaimed performances. Born on October 8, 1970, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Damon’s first notable appearance on the silver screen was in the 1988 film ‘Mystic Pizza’ but it was his breakthrough role in the 1997 film ‘Good Will Hunting’ that catapulted him to stardom. By co-writing the screenplay of the film with his childhood friend Ben Affleck, Damon not only showcased his acting prowess but also won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. This marked the inception of a prolific career that has spanned decades.
Throughout his career, Damon has delivered memorable performances in a diverse range of genres, from action-packed roles in the ‘Bourne’ series to dramatic portrayals in films like ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley,’ ‘The Departed,’ and ‘Invictus.’ He has consistently demonstrated his ability to tackle complex characters with depth and authenticity. In 2016, Damon received further accolades when he won a Golden Globe Award for his performance in ‘The Martian.’ Beyond his work as an actor, Damon’s dedication to philanthropy and activism has solidified his reputation as both a talented actor and a conscientious humanitarian. With his enduring impact on the entertainment industry and society at large, Damon continues to be a beloved and influential figure in Hollywood. If his last captivating portrayal of General Leslie Groves in ‘Oppenheimer‘ did not quench your appetite for his commanding on-screen presence, here is a list of all his upcoming projects!
1. Imaginary Friends (2024)
Directed by John Krasinski, ‘Imaginary Friends,’ also known as ‘IF,’ is set to offer a captivating exploration of the blurred line between reality and imagination. The story centers on a young girl who grapples with a life-altering experience, opening her eyes to the whimsical realm of forgotten imaginary friends, who are left behind when their human companions grow up. In this star-studded production, Damon lends his voice to an undisclosed role, joining a cast that includes Ryan Reynolds, Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Cailey Fleming, Louis Gossett Jr., and Alan Kim.
The film also features the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carell, Emily Blunt, Maya Rudolph, Vince Vaughn, Sam Rockwell, Sebastian Maniscalco, and Christopher Meloni. ‘Imaginary Friends’ is set to release in theaters on May 17, 2024, promising a captivating experience that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy.
2. The Instigators (TBA)
Directed by Doug Liman, ‘The Instigators’ is an upcoming heist thriller film. The storyline follows two robbers who find themselves in a perilous situation when a heist goes awry. To escape the authorities, they enlist the help of their therapist. Damon takes on the role of one of the robbers and he stars alongside Casey Affleck. The ensemble also includes esteemed actors such as Hong Chau, Paul Walter Hauser, Michael Stuhlbarg, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, Ron Perlman, and Jack Harlow. ‘The Instigators’ has completed the post-production process and is waiting for a 2024 release on Apple TV+, although an official date is awaited.
3. The King of Oil (TBA)
Director Peter Landesman is at the helm of an upcoming film that centers around commodities trader and alleged financial criminal Marc Rich. This cinematic endeavor draws its inspiration from the biography ‘The King of Oil: The Secret Lives of Marc Rich’ penned by Swiss journalist Daniel Ammann. Damon is expected to take on the role of the enigmatic Marc Rich. Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse are on board to pen the movie with John Krasinski serving as a producer. The project is in the pre-production phase and it holds the promise of shedding light on the captivating story of Rich’s life and exploits.
4. Animals (TBA)
Damon is reuniting with long-time friend Ben Affleck for an upcoming Netflix thriller ‘Animals’ that Affleck will direct. Reportedly, the story will center on the kidnapping of an L.A. mayoral candidate’s son and how he and his wife find their son while the deadline for the ransom inches closer and closer. Damon will play the mayor. Jennifer Garner is reportedly in talks, presumably for the role of the mayor’s wife. Both Damon and Affleck will produce the film alongside Brad Weston, Collin Creighton, and Dani Bernfeld. The script has been written by Connor O. McIntyre and revised by Billy Ray. The project is currently in its filming stage so we can expect it to arrive on Netflix at the end of 2024 or early 2025. Further details about post-production and a potential release date are awaited.
