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Matt Damon Cast as Robert F. Kennedy in Gary Ross' Biopic

by Ethan Anderton
February 24, 2010
Source: Deadline

Fresh off an Oscar nominated performance as real life South African rugby player Francois Pienaar, the eclectic Matt Damon looks to be lining up another role which will have him playing an even bigger real-life persona as Deadline Hollywood reports he just closed a deal to star as the late U.S. senator and civil rights activist Robert F. Kennedy in a new biopic that will be directed by Gary Ross (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville) from a script by Steven Knight (Eastern Promises). Although Damon is attached, the project won't get off the ground until he sees the script, which will largely be based on Evan Thomas' biography His Life in 2002.

The film will focus on RFK's rise from behind the shadow of his older brother, President John F. Kennedy, as he went on to become an amazing political figure without relying on the legacy of the rest of his family. Sadly, his career and life were cut short when he was assassinated in 1968, an event which was depicted in Emilio Estevez's ensemble film Bobby. Apparently Ross has been quite enthralled with RFK for quite some time and once optioned the same biography himself though nothing came of it. Seeing Damon as RFK will definitely be quite a challenge for the actor, but of course, having no problem with the New England dialect of Massachusetts natives, it'll be the subtleties of the performance that will be the hardest for him. You in?

Filed under Casting, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

Hattori Hanzo

I'm there. RFK has to be one of the most interesting and under rated American politicians of the 20th century. The world lost more with his death in 1968 than it did when his brother was shot down in Dallas.
Corran Horn

WHOAH! Didn't see this coming. This is the perfect role for Matt (both talent-wise and accent-wise). He wouldn't even need to alter his appearance either (save for the hair). He just seems to be raking in good role after good role. True Grit, Contagion, and now this. Whenever this comes out, I'll definitely see it.
Craig

I'm not a big fan of biopics, but I'll see this one. Matt Damon is a perfect choice.
dex

I trust Mr.Damon, he wouldn't be in it if this is lame. Its so exciting..I am a sucker for biopics.
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I think this is very good casting! I think that Matt Damon will do a great job. I am looking forward to seeing him by Bobby Kennedy.
Kim

In that pic, he looks a lot like him. I read the book, and look forward to this movie. Damon will do a terrific job - very inspired choice.
DoomCanoe

good casting
zubzwank

I was around when RFK was with us. You could probably find a closer physical match, but Matt Damon, one of the best actors out there today (Leo not even close) will be great!
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I believe he is a good actor and is capable to do adjustments to whatever the role may require. But relying with his talent will not do all the trick, he should learn more of Mr. Robert Kennedy in order to be more effective. I'll be looking forward to this
Sara

That would be great for him! Maybe he will finally come out soon and talk about his 16 yr old daughter with a woman name Erin who works at The Royal York in Toronto. He's an awesome sexy actor and can obviously keep secret but Ive seen proof and it will be exposed. His daughter is beautiful like her mother, both have blue eyes and you can see alot of him in her features. Shocking. They visit Boston alot.
zubzwank

What business of anybody else's is the fact that he may have a daughter with somebody? Why does it have to be "exposed?" Has he abandoned her? Does he deny his fatherly role? When do you think this is, 1957? Go to one of the tabloid websites, lady. That sounds just about right for your, uh, intellect. "I've seen proof and it will be exposed..." Gimme a break. Oh yeah, get a life.
Erin

Thank You Zubzwank!! Some people need to get a life and mind there own business. This is not a tabloid site. It is no ones business if he has another child or not. And the whole " expose " threat well if there was proof it would have happened a long time ago. Get a life " Sara" and stop trying to ruin others. Now as per the article, I think Matt would play that role really well and Im definitely looking forward to watching it.
Niki

Some ppl have nothing better to do then to try and trash someone elses life. You know who you are that posted the trash. You must not feel very loved as to try and trash someone elses life. You have no idea what you are really doing. NO IDEA!!