11 July,2026 07:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Matt Damon and Shekhar Kapur. Pics via X
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey may have brought Hollywood to Mumbai, but it was Matt Damon's heartfelt confession about an Indian filmmaker that stole the spotlight. During the film's promotional press conference on Saturday July 11, the Oscar-winning actor revealed that he has wanted to work with Shekhar Kapur for over two decades, a wish that dates back to a missed opportunity on The Four Feathers. Kapur has now responded, saying he's ready to finally make the collaboration happen.
While interacting with the media alongside Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and co-star Tom Holland, Damon was asked which Indian filmmaker he would most like to collaborate with. Without hesitation, he named Shekhar Kapur and reflected on how close they came to working together years ago.
"I remember that when we were starting out, everyone wanted to collaborate with Shekhar Kapur. I remember when I couldn't do The Four Feathers for some reason. I think I was signed up for a Bourne movie. So, I guess, he has always been on my list and I would like to have another go. That's like a 20-year-old little debt I've been carrying around in my pocket," Damon said.
The actor was originally attached to Kapur's 2002 historical war drama The Four Feathers, but scheduling conflicts forced him to exit the project. The role eventually went to the late Heath Ledger.
Damon's comments soon reached Shekhar Kapur, who responded with equal admiration. Speaking to NDTV, the filmmaker said there isn't a director in the world who wouldn't want to work with an actor of Damon's calibre.
"I don't think there is a filmmaker in the world who wouldn't give their right arm to work with an actor who has as much emotional depth as Matt Damon," Kapur said, recalling the actor's iconic performance in Good Will Hunting. "Who can ever forget his famous scene with Robin Williams, 'It's not your fault.' I must have watched it over a thousand times and been moved to tears each time."
Kapur then ended his message with a hopeful invitation: "Events move between the past, present and the future... while time is created in our imagination... so it's time, Matt, that we finally collaborate."
Damon is currently in India promoting Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, which releases in theatres on July 17. The epic stars Matt Damon alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal. The unexpected exchange between Damon and Kapur has already left film lovers hoping the long-awaited collaboration finally becomes a reality.
