Rounders 2: Matt Damon Discusses Potential Follow-Up to Cult Classic

In a recent interview, Matt Damon expressed his enthusiasm for making a sequel to “Rounders”. The poker drama from 1998 that was overlooked upon release and has since become a cult classic. The original creative team has also expressed interest in revisiting the high-stakes film. Along with its co-stars Edward Norton, updating it for the modern gambling world.

Damon’s Passion for Revisiting Rounders

When pressed on which of his previous films he’d like to revisit in a sequel on “The Rich Eisen Show”. Matt Damon was quick to mention “Rounders” as a passion project. The original, directed by John Dahl, starred Damon as Mike McDermott. A former gambler who is drawn into underground high-stakes poker games to help a friend, played by Norton. John Malkovich and John Turturro rounded out the all-star cast.

Yes, Matt Damon Is Considering a Possible ‘Rounders’ Sequel | The Rich Eisen Show

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On the potential sequel, Matt Damon said that everyone was on board. “The one that we’ve been talking about for years — and I just saw Edward Norton a few weeks ago. [And] all of us want to do it — is a second “Rounders” movie,” Damon said. He shared that the changes to the poker world over the past 25 years would be interesting to explore in an updated story.

This could include using the best online poker sites. But, may also document the changing tournament landscape that has brought the activity into mainstream view. Interestingly, Rounders is among the films credited as igniting interest in poker.

Box Office Disappointment to Cult Classic

Despite receiving favorable news upon release. Rounders only made $22 million at the international box office on its budget of $12 million. “When it came out, it kind of bombed” Damon admitted. “And then it got discovered by people later. When that happens, people feel a sense of ownership.”

The emotional connection extends beyond film fans and into the poker community. With pro players such as Brian Rast and Vanessa Rousso crediting the film with introducing them to the game. The film is even associated with bringing poker to wider attention. Which along with online gameplay helped spark the poker boom of the early 2000s.

Production Issues Remain Complicated

Damon cited complicated ownership of rights as a major barrier in developing the movie further. He shared, “You’ve got to figure out the chain of title and who owns it. And everybody’s got their hand in the pot.” Originally released by Miramax Films, various parties are currently involved in the possession of the rights.

Damon is attempting to use his production company, Artists Equity, to untangle the issue. Co-founded with Ben Affleck, Artists Equity seeks to create equitable opportunities in filmmaking. And this with a “Rounders” sequel needing to offer a fair deal for all creative parties. “We’ve got to figure out a way to make a deal that makes sense for everybody,” Damon said.

According to Damon. The film’s writers David Levien and Brian Koppelman had a sequel idea developed 10 to 15 years ago. Though the rapidly changing poker scene would require another fresh outlook. Damon added, “What they had 10 years ago. I thought, was fantastic, and I’m sure they could augment and roll with the times and update it. A good update to where we are today and make something great.”

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