Matt Damon is fully invested in the prospect of crafting a sequel to his seminal 1998 poker-centric drama, 'Rounders.' During a lively appearance on Roku Channel's 'The Rich Eisen Show' on Wednesday, the charismatic actor found himself in the hot seat when the host inquired about potential sequels for his own films. Damon, who co-founded Actors Equity, a production company alongside Ben Affleck, divulged that they were already gearing up for 'The Accountant 2' starring Affleck. However, when it came to personal projects, Damon's heart was set on revisiting John Dahl's masterpiece, 'Rounders.'
"The one we've been dreaming about for ages – and I just caught up with Edward Norton a few weeks back, and we're all itching to make it happen – is a sequel to 'Rounders,'" Damon enthused. "Imagine the poker landscape that's evolved over the last quarter-century; it'd be a thrill to reunite with those characters and explore where they've been."
Yet, the path to the green light is fraught with challenges, primarily revolving around the labyrinthine rights issues surrounding the Miramax Films release from September 11, 1998. "Navigating the chain of title and deciphering who holds the keys is a complex puzzle," Damon elaborated. "Everyone's got a stake in the game, so we need to craft a deal that benefits everyone, especially the heart and soul of our endeavors – the cast and crew at Actors Equity. We're working tirelessly to unlock this puzzle because we all share a passion for bringing this story to life once more."
Damon reminisced about a vibrant conversation he had, a decade or so ago, with David Levien and Brian Koppelman, the visionary screenwriters behind the hit Showtime series 'Billions'. As they delved into ideas for a sequel to their masterpiece 'Rounders', Damon could sense the spark of genius in their minds. However, he muses that the meteoric rise and transformation of the poker world in recent years necessitate a fresh take on the franchise's continuation.
"What they conceived a decade ago was nothing short of brilliant," he enthused. "I have no doubt they possess the prowess to adapt, evolve with the times, and breathe new life into the narrative, crafting something truly extraordinary for today's audience."
Amidst his current promotional duties for his role in Apple's captivating series 'The Instigators', Damon highlighted the remarkable journey of 'Rounders', which, despite an initial box office lull, has since garnered an ardent fan base.
"It's one of those films that stumbled out of the gate, receiving a lukewarm reception upon release," he recounted with a hint of nostalgia. "Yet, it gradually found its footing, embraced by audiences who stumbled upon its magic later on. This discovery fosters a sense of camaraderie among fans, as if they're saying, 'This is my movie, my champion, even when the world wasn't ready.' The film exudes an overwhelming sense of goodwill, but now, we must unravel the puzzle of whether we can recapture that magic once more."
