Matt Damon Cancels Directorial Debut

Matt Damon has reportedly backed out of the movie that was supposed to be his directorial debut.

News of Damon’s planned debut behind the camera first emerged in October 2011, when it was revealed an untitled John Krasinski and Dave Eggers movie would star – and be directed by – the Bourne trilogy star. Damon was all set to play a salesman whose life would be shook up following his arrival in a small town.

However, it now seems Damon’s involvement as director is in doubt, due to issues related to the script. The strange thing? Damon co-wrote the script with Krasinski (while the idea for the movie came jointly from Krasinski and Eggers). A source close to the project told Vulture that Damon would no longer direct the film, but that he would still star in it. Confused? Yeah, join the club.

Thankfully, it’s not looking like the $12 million production is dead in the water yet, with Damon expected to star alongside Krasinski and the excellent Frances McDormand. The group involved are already quite friendly it would seem – Damon co-starred alongside Krasinski’s wife, Emily Blunt, in The Adjustment Bureau.

Anyway, with a blue ribbon name like Damon still on board, the film’s survival was always likely, but it might be a while longer before we see the star of Good Will Huntingdo a Jolie and get cushy in the director’s chair. Look for more on this mysterious project in 2012, I guess …