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FIRST LOOK

First Look: Matt Damon in Clint Eastwood's Human Factor

by Alex Billington
March 15, 2009
Source: TheBadandUgly.com

Even at 78, filmmaker Clint Eastwood is still going strong, with Gran Torino still playing in theaters and production already started on his next feature. TheBadandUgly.com has some new shots of Matt Damon in The Human Factor, the newest project directed by Clint Eastwood about the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Damon plays rugby star Francois Pienaar, who as captain of the all-white South African rugby team led them to a victory at the world cup and gave the country's whites and blacks a common cause to rally around as they healed from years of apartheid. A few shots of Damon and company practicing can be seen below.

Click either of the photos below to see a few more of them fullsize over at TheBadandUgly.com.

The script for The Human Factor was written by Anthony Peckham (The Assassin, Don't Say a Word, upcoming Sherlock Holmes) and is based on John Carlin's book titled "Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation". In addition to Damon, Morgan Freeman stars as Nelson Mandela in the film, which is being produced by Freeman, Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Lori McCreary and Mace Neufeld. Warner Brothers will be bring The Human Factor to theaters later this year. Damon looks great and I can't wait to see more. This definitely will be a production we'll be following so stay tuned for updates.

Filed under First Look, Photos

From around the web:

jack

'who as captain of the all-white South African rugby team led them to a victory at the world cup' is incorrect, in fact Chester Williams was in the 95 team , he is a person of colour and was of great significance not only on the field but in uniting a divided country through sport. He is also coaching Matt Damon rugby
Timothy

Matt Damon certainly looks South African in these photos, haha.
dom

Eastwood and rugby... who would have thought!
Tony

Matt Damon for Captain America!!!
ash

I'd be interested in who is to play the role of Jonah Lomu, the New Zealand winger. I'd have thought that "The Rock" would be a good choice. And yes, Chester Williams was part of the South African team so it wasn't an all-white team. In fact Williams was made as something of a poster boy and symbolism for racial harmony.
kaaskyker

@ Jack Chester Williams would probably never have played that final because of an incident against Canada where two players was penalized and banned. Pieter Hendriks was the 1st choice wing for South Africa at that time. I can't remember if Chester was in the original squad until the incident. I hope they also focus on the opening game of the tournament, that's where all the hope began.
http://2020.mypodcast.com Rob

Chester was in the original squad and was in fact a bit more than the poster boy! As a South African, I feel great that this movie is being made, though I'm iffy about the casting. Still, if it can capture the upswell of national pride and emotion following Joel Stransky's drop-goal (oh shit, shoulda said 'Spoilers Ahead') then I'm all for it.
George

#7 I must agree with you on the casting,Matt Damon as Francis Pienaar?I know Matt is a great actor but isn't he a bit short for Pienaar's height?all in all I think it will be a great production with Eastwood helming it(he is that is old?) and as a South African hope they put out something that is honest to that great celebration and truly represent the human factor.
http://www.themoviebanter.com Craig

I thought Clint said he was done with movies, but I guess not. I'm glad he isn't because I thought Gran Torino was excellent and this has potential as well.
harlem shake

can we get spike lees reaction?
andy

zak feaunati - playing jonah lomu
Donovan

Team was not exactly all white...almost though. Left-winger Chester Williams was the only black player on the side. I cannot wait until this is released! Such a great group of directors and actors. Really can't go wrong. I just hope the film is portrayed accurately!
Not telling

Wow...i almost forgot that it was the ANC who won us the 95 world cup.