Did Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Fight Over Who Played Will in 'Good Will Hunting'?

[@C3studios]

They literally made themselves famous through sheer force of talent. That's how it should be.

[@synamo1531]

C3 Studios not talent but by dreaming big, working hard and taking risks

[@C3studios]

@@synamo1531 That's a talent in and of itself!

[@MrParkerman6]

They were famous BEFORE Good Will Hunting, dumbass.

[@Code_Geel]

@@synamo1531 I hate the word talent. It always implies there is no hard work involved.

[@j_e_b_b2951]

Hany Saad I agree. While there is some talent involved, most of their success comes from hard work that almost everyone can do if they put in the work

[@Publiclighthouse]

“Nobody seemed to like the scene in the class, but we liked it.” I wonder if people who were in this class remember Matt’s and Ben’s performance and are genuinely shocked at how popular and acclaimed Good Will Hunting is.

[@EGarrett01]

The scene was probably not good. They reworked the script many times over.

[@Newtman98]

Sometimes I'll scroll through the comments and randomly read a comment at the very same moment it plays in the video. That just happened with this comment. Thank you. Amen.

[@jatilq]

@@EGarrett01 Still has to suck. Imagine you missed out for a part in the movie.

[@marwashoman2831]

@@Newtman98 me too right now, and read your reply made it stranger 😂

[@Daniel_Fo77]

How do you like them apples now? 😁

[@chrisbalsamo968]

Good Will Hunting is one of my all time favorites. The scene with Will and Robin Williams in session when he tells Matt Damon “it’s not your fault”. That’s masterful acting on both parties.

[@freddiemercury4evr]

One of my favorite films, ever. I was thrilled when they got their Oscars. RIP Robin Williams

[@lynnturman8157]

And RIP Elliott Smith

[@josephkelley8641]

('specially if ye see Robin at The Improv or Comedy Store)

[@dwightk.schrute5559]

“ Mah boi’s wikuhd smaht “

[@sachemofboston3649]

Wicked

[@DEV3N87]

@@sachemofboston3649 -_-

[@zainsyed9811]

Ya suspect! Yeh you

[@jatilq]

"How you like them apples."

[@sachemofboston3649]

PokerPlayerJames it’s not a r/woosh nobody pronounced wicked like that he’s clearly not from New England

[@thecrow9026]

These two are perfect examples of not letting others hold you back. If you think something is good, you work on it. You do it and accept the consequences, in their case the consequence was success.

[@Kidgloves1984]

Good Will Hunting is one of the best films ever in my book! Brilliant script, acting, everything!

[@vampirethespiderbatgod9740]

Bruh, I love their friendship. I want to have this kind of friendship.

[@Sol_Badguy_GG]

They're (distant) cousins. Look it up.

[@stevemcqueen1096]

Me too if it meant I was a kick ass actor and had a kick ass actor best friend and we were rich.

[@barbarastewart8066]

What I would do to have 1 friend who has my back to death. Most of my peers are selfish and need their own stage...So 😔 sad.

[@EGarrett01]

I always suspected that Affleck did "The Accountant" so he could have the genius role.

[@USA92]

Stupid comment. Some form of projection?

[@EGarrett01]

@@USA92 Hmm?

[@sanekabc]

That's a stretch.

[@CGBalla1014]

Of Fools & Kings with a little bit of autism in the mix. This guy is going for Tom Hanks as well!

[@dustinconnolly3162]

He already did the genius role in paycheck

[@StefanBorglducky]

Nevertheless they BOTH were the bomb in Good Will Hunting, yo.

[@grimreefer7656]

Thanks for your review, jesse pinkman

[@jtparker6286]

SBmedo20 Jesse pinkman is that you?

[@grimreefer7656]

@@jtparker6286 Hes busy slinging shards in alaska

[@ADITLOyo]

Haha strike back reference 🤙🏿

[@commanderjor4043]

@@grimreefer7656 its sad that people don't realize this is a Jay and Silent Bob reference

[@boredom2go]

Can you imagine the day they were told that Robin Williams was going to be in the movie?

[@D0M1N4T1NG]

and imagine when they heard Robin William is no more!

[@fighterck6241]

@@D0M1N4T1NG RIP😥

[@humanisme6746]

Dominating Prince F

[@josephkelley8641]

perfect casting.

[@mskidi]

@@josephkelley8641 It wasnt that difficult really. Williams played a more modern version of his role in Dead Poets Society and of Richard Burtons' role in Equus. These boys knew what the public liked, and they gave it to them, and they didnt even try to be subtle about it. Will is a mashup of James Dean (Rebel Without A Cause) and Dustin Hoffman (The Rainman).

[@miralabualjadail4206]

There is something so simple yet so genius about that movie, really profound and tugs on the heartstrings. Still one of my favourites till this day. So, thats some incredible talent for adults let alone kids their age! To write such a masterpiece. Its mind blowing.

[@emmetLshavinski]

That's really cool hearing the backstory. I always wondered that too cause I'm sure being a young actor I'm sure most would gun for playing the lead so it's interesting hearing Ben felt it was more natural playing the funny best friend.

[@tommytran8880]

Fantastic actors know where they shine.

[@nucreation4484]

Good Will Hunting was the movie that motivated me to get a PhD in math. My plan was to get wikuhd smaht at math and then take a job as a janitor at ivy league universities solving problems left on the chalkboards. But I didn't get very far with my math studies, so I had to settle for a custodian job at the local junior high.

[@JimmyLundberg]

Well played, mate

[@pelado9293]

At least you got the girl

[@josephkelley8641]

hopefully you had ACCESS to a chalk board. .

[@carpballet]

That would make a GREAT movie. I’m callin’ Ben. Or Matt.

[@ge_mig_nat_som_kanns]

GWH was the movie that motivated me to become a social worker.

[@Honmatres]

The scene where Ben's character calls Matt's character on not reaching his full potential has to go down as one of the best inspirational scenes ever.

[@P.J.Marino]

I'll never forget moving from Boston to LA in Jan '97, and shortly after, getting a call from local Boston casting to audition for some bit part in "Matt & Ben's movie", and being bummed I couldn't. When I went to see the movie in the theater without knowing much else about it, I remember seeing Robin Williams and thinking, "Wow, this might be a real movie." And when it was over, feeling so proud for the guys, even though I had never met them. Hopefully I will at some point.

[@nolinpowe]

The Ben Affleck monologue scene when he told Matt Damon that he's destined for more than what he thinks it is, really helped me pursue my journey in filmmaking

[@brendanlittle2498]

People can hate on his Batman and whatever else but Ben Affleck is a damn brilliant guy.

[@dustinconnolly3162]

His batman is 2nd beat to micheal Keaton.

[@David-_-_-]

He seems off since hes come back from his alcohol issues. I wish the guy all the best .... but just watching him you can see something has changed. He has this nervous high strung "jitteriness" about him now. Lots off constant small sharp movements - almost seem uncomfirtable in his own skin. Hope it eventually fades as he continues his recovery 🙏

[@Jaeron]

I thought his portrayal of Batman was near perfect. If he had good writers behind him, we could have had an amazing movie, sadly that didn't come to fruition.

[@1sTEfFaniE1]

It was a weak Batman movie but that wasn't Ben's fault.

[@tblightningbolt8902]

Brendan Little he’s a ego filled pricked. Not to mention cheater and negligent father. Besides that he’s really smart

[@orlandomendes3616]

Ben is a great actor, writer, producer, director and... I forgot something... He is incredible! God bless him!

[@orlandomendes3616]

​@Mr Matt perhaps I'll try to "organize" a room. Regards buddy and Congrats!

[@orlandomendes3616]

@Mr Matt ok dude no problem, I'm sorry, English it's my third language, thanks for the hint. Regards.

[@orlandomendes3616]

@anderson lol you're right!

[@adamduncan6513]

I just watched this movie again like 2 weeks ago. This is a great interview

[@lucastoro6224]

It’s beautiful to me how a movie filmed with just “scenes of people sitting in rooms talking to each other” with a crazy low budget became one of the greatest movies of all time.

[@scaryterry1637]

Short answer: No, they did not fight over who played Will

[@harveydodd8803]

Sure but the subtext was more interesting than the interviewer’s question, which just goes to show a good interview question is just one that gets the person to talk.

[@DannyCosmos]

this could of been an email

[@Lite727]

They answer the question in not even 6 seconds into the video lol your not saving anyone any time. It’s right to the point from the start.

[@robertwalkley4665]

The answer to almost every question posed it a headline is no :).

[@SP-ki5gn]

@@robertwalkley4665 Betteridge's Law

[@Gray.12]

Sounds like Tommy Wiseau and how he made his movie...acting class..two friends..making a movie together...haha

[@lukewatto8223]

What a story Mark!

[@sd81a46]

@@lukewatto8223 mwhaaa haa ha you are soo fanny😆 Mark.

[@freddybeer]

Except Damon and Affleck have actual TALENT. Lol!

[@ipod9771]

Except one film was good! And the other was REALLLLLLYYYYYY GOOD! Oh Hi Mark

[@ontarth2618]

except it was good not good bad

[@omegaswiper]

Good Will Hunting is a brilliant film. I hope they write a sequel one day.

[@jameskavanagh4315]

One of the greatest scenes ever produced was Damon and Williams on the park bench. So moving. RIP Robin.

[@robertwalkley4665]

There's no fat in the entire run length of the film; just about every scene is iconic!

[@jameskavanagh4315]

@@robertwalkley4665 I have to agree with you there Robert👍

[@tinchitoman]

Shawshank Redemption and GWH my favorite movies of all times.

[@myrnashoults9735]

Matt and Ben winning the Oscar, is the best, most genuine, reaction, I’ve ever seen!

[@shukis17]

Sitting down and thinking about when Ben said, "We filmed it cheap it's just people sitting talking in rooms." Reflecting on the film, that's truly all it was but it was great. I think the most intense scene was when Will has a fight with Minnie Driver. I think that's what draws in the audience though because it feels far more real, nothing supernatural, no big action scenes, just casual conversations in places we're familiar with yet with unprecedented drama.

[@bboy-kv6pd]

Good will hunting is a masterpiece.. a work of art

[@TheActiveLifeLived]

"We pursued it, and we had fun"...that's the spirit...

[@C0MMANDERFIREF0X]

Good will hunting was in my top 3 films before I ever even heard how they made it. The story blows me away, and shows that true art shines brighter than the cash grabby bullshit we are getting far too used to

[@fazsaeed]

Very insightful. One of my favorite movies of all time.

[@thelaurels13]

It’s still one of my all time favourite movies, and all because of Robin Williams.

[@EzeICE]

Fun fact: Matt is older than Ben

[@samanthab1923]

Have you seen him lately? He looks every bit his 50 years.

[@BP-or2iu]

It's one of the greatest films of the 90s and one of my all time favorites.

[@ejr.productions]

What I love so much about what the Ben Affleck and Matt Damon did was just the fact of how original but more so how much true grit and like fuck everyone else mentality was shown. Whats so amazing about these indie films is they have the basics down, lighting, costumes, sound, visual, etc nothing is over the top no studio or executives are conducting the show it’s just raw and real and the talent and image and message is clearly being spoken by the artist.

[@Mari-im2sk]

Even though Ben didn’t play Will, I thought he did an amazing job with his role.

[@jqyhlmnp]

Ben should go on joe Rogan

[@maclariviere3017]

If Joe's alive after cornoa

[@ThomasDailey]

@Charles Christian The guy that suggested he'd vote for Bernie would eat Ben up? Huh?

[@alexandrahopkinson1748]

@@maclariviere3017 Yeah get him on with Sam Harris lol

[@mattj4112]

Charles Christian why would they talk politics?

[@jqyhlmnp]

Charles Christian joe isn’t right or left. He really is curious about most people and wouldn’t eat anyone unless they’re horribly irrational. Ben affleck gets caught up in moments but isn’t a dumbass like me and you apparently

[@ca9968]

And so one of the best pieces of film ever was born...

[@ejoshcoron]

I always wondered about this, but assumed it had to be the most obvious thing which is the main role went to whoever came up with the main idea. I like Ben, feel bad that he has a sort of anxious energy here

[@xXCraftifyXx]

He has a lot of personal problems :/

[@tzeege]

Also, a shitty diet doesn't help.

[@thebatman7192]

You Shameless People Stop With The Fake Narrative And Have Some Shame.

[@Ghost-of-a-man]

Tomorrow I’ll wake up and I’ll be 50 and I’ll still be doing this shit. For me that is one of the most powerful speeches I’ve ever seen in a movie.

[@archangecamilien1879]

1:58 I have to say that Ben Affleck always felt like he was appropriate for playing a bully...I thought that long before I watched the Linklater film...I didn't think others thought the same...

[@archangecamilien1879]

I mean...the way he looks, strictly, haha...I wouldn't know, but he doesn't actually seem to be like that at all, at least the impression I get watching him in interviews, etc...but, again, I wouldn't know...

[@johnbaker7102]

“You’re suspect!”

[@darkhorse306]

“RETAINER”

[@katemarsan7957]

I did this to someone at work the other day and they got the reference! Made me so happy

[@khanhdo3988]

Yeah you

[@osamabad3597]

Yeah you.

[@LloydWaldo]

Until, and as such.

[@JimmyLundberg]

I've seen it so many times, and the more I see it the more I appreciate Chuckie's importance in setting the atmosphere and bringing Will's backstory to life. Without him, Will's struggle and eventual departure would have been so much less meaningful. It made me appreciate Ben Affleck a lot more over time. This interview, however, made my view of Affleck take a full 180 ... when all he wanted was to play a "funny and likeable character for once". Can't believe his idea of Chuckie is so shallow.

[@btron3k]

Yeah, I never saw his character as "the funny sidekick". He says he was just being given the "bully" characters (like Mallrats I assume), and I think Chuckie comes across as leaning towards that rather than funny and likeable. He is rougher than Will and, I think, slightly less likeable (which is important), but he has the street wisdom to realise that Will is selling himself short. It's almost like Van Sant knew that Affleck's natural character would make Will Hunting look good (Damon probably did too, he's wicked smart). Take the Harvard bar scene. Chuckie goes up to the girls and lays some terrible line on, and Affleck probably thinks that he comes across as silly or funny, but he comes across as a bit of a jerk, whereas Will is the likeable one that only gets involved because his friend is being made to look like stupid.

[@AhnSeoulo]

I think you’re reading into it a bit much.

[@taketheredpill1452]

really smart and practical thinking all the way through.

[@zerosumgame6]

One of the best written films ever.

[@dyyyeeezzz]

I love watching him talk. Idk why.

[@kamaboko1]

For some reason he reminds me of Alex Lifeson of Rush in terms of how he tells a story.

[@themistoklestheodosopoulos6253]

I know exactly what you mean. It's like he is writing a wikipedia page or something. Lots of story setting within the story.

[@destructivecreation7867]

Who dat lady go that movie?

[@McCready12]

I think they are both cast in an unlikely role

[@bojnebojnebojne]

not expensive but incredibly well written and it hooks people and really affect them. The greatest movies are not the most expensive ones, but the most thoughtful ones.

[@dtbdmentors]

"I've got to see about a girl" classic line with depth and genius.

[@dhammaboy1203]

Such a great film - I really think every actor played the perfect roll for the film. Afflick supposed Damon as Will perfectly & Robin Williams as the psychologist of course!

[@keatynskytland2227]

So impressed that Ben teaches math on kahn academy on his own time

[@gyurebalint]

What

[@recursion.]

Anyone got link???? Thanks in advance. :)

[@df4196]

People may or may not give Ben his dues as an actor. But Ben has the best three film run as a director that ANY director would kill for.

[@3rdeye931]

The movie wouldn’t be the same.

[@larrycanupp411]

Sirius: "Ben, What time is it"? Ben: "For thousands of years, devices have been used to measure and keep track of time. Atomic clocks are far more accurate than any previous timekeeping device. Oh... It's 2:09 P.M."

[@callisto537]

Larry Canupp I agree, his reply was skillful in rhetoric. You get like that when times are good. But also he is one of those witty New England guys, he is thoughtful and sensitive.

[@freddyspurscowboys6379]

Goodwill hunting is all time great and doesnt get enough love nowadays

[@NavasGonzalo]

Im sorry but everytimw I remember Will Hunting I cant stop thinking about the interview scene with Afflecks character. Absolutely hilarious.

[@rickp4214]

In truth, he never answered the Q. He kind of implied that it was never discussed- let alone fought over- by Matt and Ben, but 95% of what he's saying here has nothing to do with the Q or why any of us clicked the link. And that's perfectly fine. His backstory is more interesting anyway. It's actually a good lesson on how to do intvs.

[@Dean-hy8zb]

Definitely in my top ten favorite movies of all time. Not a bad role in the whole film. And all of them well acted.

[@c.s.m.k5737]

One of only two of my life time favorite movies. A truly cinematic gift to movie watchers

[@jasonbower7763]

What's the other one bro

[@c.s.m.k5737]

@@jasonbower7763 Forest Gump

[@jasonbower7763]

@@c.s.m.k5737 ❤

[@adastraperaspera7098]

Great interview. Thanks for this one.

[@lolness456837]

But how did they get Robin to read it? Would love to hear that story.

[@LiamDH3021]

Ben is being humble here, It is extremely hard for 2 unknown actors to sell a script to a studio with them attached as the leads, Stallone went broke selling Rocky because he wouldn’t compromise on him being Rocky. Success favours the risk takers

[@michaelliu8196]

Good will hunting was one of the best movie ever produced. 🍿

[@泠然御風]

why am I seeing Bruce Wayne talking about a movie?

[@nosoupforyou425]

No one would have believed Ben as a genius..... total DA

[@wfvesely]

I have read more than once the reason why Matt Damon got that part was because script was his idea and he wrote most of the script.Always important to hear both sides.

[@MrParkerman6]

This is how it actually went down. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoPHkHqsbpWMarM

[@hoogmonster]

Matt and Ben after performance in class: So, what do you think? Rest of class: It sucks. After the Oscars, Matt and Ben: Oooh look Oscar for writing and direction! How do you like them Apples!?

[@damachine3]

0:29 So it was Matt's idea.

[@4Everlast]

"He wanted to play a guy from Boston who's really really smart. That sounds like a good idea.".

[@shammycat3538]

Dino S. Dominic Does sounds like a good idea. A little unbelievable, but a good idea.

[@rapid13]

Ben being Ben is far more animated than Ben acting in anything.

[@DormouseEnglish]

Ben didn’t play the lead but he has the best scene in the movie. The”I’d give anything to have what you have.” scene.

[@lastriotgrrl]

I love how he never said Harvey's name.

[@Dynamic3DLtd]

Amazing film (in my top 10), and I have eternal respect for Ben and especially Matt who went on to become my fave actor. I could watch behind the scenes about GWH all day. 20 years on from seeing this film I visited Boston because of this film and its now become one of my fave cities, and I spend some summer holidays in an idyllic place called Cohasset outside of Boston. Its amazing how much reach and influence a film can have on a life.

[@hawk1093]

Everything about that movie was great, and then Robin Williams took it to another level. There isn't an actor on earth who could have done a better job with that role. That kind of character depth is missing in movies of today.

[@joemacdonald7879]

I think Robin Williams signing as a supporting actor helped the movie tremendously.

[@leonmason77]

He’ll always be Batman to me! Batman with stubble looked tough and cool at the same time!

[@jamesfrancis6732]

Leon TheProfessional idk man, I know this is your opinion. But I’ve asked about a dozen people over the last month who Batman was to them and they all said Christian Bale. And I’m not alone on that consensus. Most online will say Bale

[@masturch33f66]

Yo he sucks at being batman, Bale all the way.

[@leonmason77]

James Francis well, yeah Bale was very good. But I personally preferred Affleck, in BvS anyway. I thought he was awful in Justice League, but that was because it was too heavily cut from the dark moody theme the film was meant to have!

[@jasonnesmith6518]

Chuck I had a double burger...

[@gamingwithbombastic]

We’ll put you on a payment plan

[@redmusic0409]

(Singing voice) "Can I get a double burger?"

[@jasonnesmith6518]

@@gamingwithbombastic Renta-Centa-style...

[@nysguy07]

Louis CKs new bit on good will hunting is hilarious. “How do you like them apples “?

[@orangelimesky]

Super hero movies spoiled hollywood. All a good movie needs is a good story, a single popular actor, and some solid acting. That's it for it to be memorable for decades. Once again proving, simplicity and limitations can create entire worlds and characters.

[@davidfischer1971]

as much as matt damon nailed it in this movie, i think i liked ben affleck's character almost just as much. the best friend who knows better what's good for his friends than they themselves do.

[@syedaleemuddin6804]

Such a cool dude. Love these 2 and Jenny

[@steveconn]

Sorry your new movie ran into Corona, Ben (but they've been showing your 2010 movie 'Company Men' on the Showtime preview. Good prep for the recession).

Great movie

[@SkyThreader]

One of the best movies ever made. Definitely a desert island movie.

[@AlohaBlockchain]

"Gross and racist!" will always be the line he will be remembered for.

[@squatch545]

I desperately want to see a sequel.

[@ferramirez4570]

This is my all time Fav! Movie love Chuckie and Love Will.

[@mw9688]

I always had the feeling that they fluidly agreed to the roles they got since inception.

[@Smurfomatic]

Probably my favorite movie of all time

[@nirenshah7386]

Good Will Hunting is one of my fav films.

[@austinbach3731]

Funny how he describes his character in Good Will Hunting as Mercutio, then a year later he actually played Mercutio in Shakespeare in Love.

[@dadygee]

A pro tip; when you think you have something that is really good and your audience first responce is "nah... meh" but you still think it is worth persuing it is probably gold and you were the first to know... the others just didnt get it. But they will.. If you do something you think is sh*t but a lot of others think its good->awesome.. you just know you can do better. And no1 rule, dont ask biased friends or family. If your mom says you can sing I have some news for you.. If a the dude that tunes pianos for a living says you can sing that is probably the truth.

[@josephkelley8641]

Ben nailed his part in GOOD WILL HUNTING. Females across the world were equally- divided between Ben and Matt. I thought Ben's entrance was Mickey Rourke-like - thought Ben the next Mickey Rourke when I saw the film. Love Mickey Rourke. Loved Mickey Rourke's entrance - (a munitions expert into Classic-Rock).

[@erics8073]

This is a great video, but I think what's wayyyy more powerful of a message than "Did you fight over this role" is the premise that Ben n Matt were just 2 acting school kids and talked a famous actor in Robin Williams into playing their role and used that to attract the studio investors into funding the movie..

[@shammycat3538]

Eric S Well they were a little more accomplished than acting school kids. I mean Matt had already starred in a Francis Ford Coppola movie at that point. Affleck already had a couple of starring roles under his belt as well, including Chasing Amy which was a huge break in his career.

[@Dublin10]

Ben Affleck, The Town. The man is so talented.

[@canonkingsley6569]

Affleck was the bomb in Phantoms, yo!

[@peternolan4855]

They even made the antagonist a sympathetic character.

[@jhyland87]

2:50 Who would you consider to be the antagonist in Good Will Hunting? Will himself? (Seeing as how he's the only one holding himself back).

[@louiscolangelo8589]

I think he means Lambeau. He’s not really a traditional antagonist but he’s pushing the protagonist to step out of his comfort zone. By that definition then the Robin Williams character could also be considered an antagonist (which I don’t think is true) so maybe it is just Will? I do think he means Lambeau tho if I had to guess

[@wernerfoerster3666]

the math professor

[@dirtyrandy2592]

Family guy: Ben Affleck writing Good Will Hunting.... is there more pot?

[@EddieHenderson92]

The 90's movies were so much better compared to today.