Matt Damon Says He Regrets Passing on Ted

Damon recalled that he laughed unusually hard while reading the screenplay for Seth MacFarlane’s 2012 comedy. He even read portions aloud to friends over dinner, but began to wonder whether the animated bear was the film’s strongest character and talked himself out of taking the part.

The movie’s Boston production has added to his regret. Damon said the shoot would have let him spend about six months at home with his father, who has since died. Mark Wahlberg ultimately played John Bennett, the man whose childhood wish brings Ted to life. Damon said Wahlberg and the film were both excellent, and that he would not have improved it.

Damon also described missing other roles. He was offered Harvey Dent in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight but had scheduling commitments connected to the Bourne films or Green Zone. He had begun preparing to play Dan White in Gus Van Sant’s Milk, including watching documentaries, but a production delay created a clash with another film. Josh Brolin took the part, and Damon praised his performance. Damon said the casting worked out well in each case. Wahlberg is set to return to the Ted role in an upcoming animated series with MacFarlane and Amanda Seyfried.