Though Eminem Was Considered For 'Elysium' Movie Role, Before A-List Actor, Matt Damon Got it, But Matt Wasn't Disturbed!

"Elysium" director first approached Ninja of the South African band Die Antwoord and then Eminem, back when the budget was closer to the more modest $30 million of "District 9" (the final price tag is closer to $100 million). When both of the musicians passed, Blomkamp turned to A-List Hollywood actor, Matt Damon, who eventually signed on. What Damon said? He said: "I don't even think [Eminem] was my competition.

I think Neill went to him, so there was no competition...I got the offer, but that's probably 75 percent of the things that I do — somebody else got the offer before — that's kind of the nature of the business. I think you end up getting the part you're supposed to get. The right actor gets the part, ultimately. In terms of me, I never asked Neill. I just found out about Eminem because I read it somewhere... I think Neill called him, and he passed, and then Neill called me," the actor elaborated. "It's not like they bring us all in for the cattle call: 'Goddamn it, Clooney's here! I knew it.' It's the kind of thing like — before I was married — asking your girlfriend about ex-boyfriends. You don't want to know, and it doesn't affect your relationship. You just get the parts you get."