Matt Damon reveals he turned down James Cameron's Avatar, lost out $250 million payout

Matt Damon has revealed filmmaker James Cameron had originally offered 2009 sci-fi epic Avatar to him but the actor turned him down as it could have caused problems for director Paul Greengrass' The Bourne Ultimatum.

The role of disabled former marine Jake Sully later went to Sam Worthington, and the movie earned $2.79 billion at the global box office. Damon also revealed that the offer included 10 per cent of the film's profits.

In an interview to GQ, Damon also revealed that more than the money, he regretted not being able to work with Cameron, who makes films so infrequently. 

In February, Cameron revealed Hollywood stars Chris Evans and Channing Tatum had auditioned for the lead role in Avatar.