Matt Damon Joins The Daniels' Sci-Fi Film 'The Breakfast Club,' Replacing Ryan Gosling

Matt Damon confirmed on July 24, 2026, that he will star in a new sci-fi film directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the Oscar-winning duo known as The Daniels. The actor revealed the project during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, stepping into a role originally intended for Ryan Gosling.

Damon is currently enjoying the massive success of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, which has grossed over $300 million in its first week. His next collaboration promises a wildly imaginative experience from the minds behind Everything Everywhere All at Once.

What Are the Details of the Film?

The project, which remains untitled, is being kept tightly under wraps. However, Damon shared the unique pitch he received from the directors.

"The way they pitched it to me was it's The Breakfast Club meets Inception meets an anime film meets an episode of The John Oliver Show that didn't get aired," Damon said, laughing. He added a direct comparison to the directors' previous hit: "If you liked Everything Everywhere All at Once and all the wildness and all the heart, I think you'll really like this one, too. It's a really special project."

Key confirmed details include:

• Lead Actor: Matt Damon (replacing Ryan Gosling)
• Directors: Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (The Daniels)
• Additional Cast: Charles Melton (Beef)
• Reported Talks: Sandra Oh (Killing Eve)
• Production Start: Summer 2026 in Los Angeles

Who Are The Daniels and What Is Their Track Record?

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert rocketed to the forefront of Hollywood with their 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once. The genre-bending film was a surprise box office hit, grossing $147 million worldwide. Its true triumph came at the 2023 Academy Awards, where it won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and acting awards for Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

The film's success created immense anticipation for the directors' next move. Their follow-up project, which landed a multimillion-dollar tax credit to shoot in Los Angeles, was initially in development with Ryan Gosling attached. According to Entertainment Weekly, Gosling dropped out in April 2026 due to scheduling conflicts, as the production's start date could not be adjusted. The Wrap reported that creative differences also played a role in his departure.

Why Is This Casting Significant?

Damon is selective with his roles, coming off a physically transformative performance in The Odyssey and a recent acclaimed turn in Air. His decision to join underscores the project's perceived quality.

"I don't pick roles that way," Damon told Dan Patrick when asked if he chooses projects based on physicality. "I just, kind of, pick based on what I think is going to be a good movie."

His casting, alongside rising star Charles Melton and the potential addition of Sandra Oh, assembles a compelling ensemble for a film that aims to blend coming-of-age themes, mind-bending sci-fi, and eclectic humor.

What Is the Current Status and Timeline?

As of July 2026, the project is in active development with a confirmed star and a slated release date over a year away. Production is expected to commence in Los Angeles in the coming months, following the finalization of the cast.

With the script still under wraps, fans of The Daniels' previous work can only wait for more concrete details, reassured by Damon's endorsement that the project carries the same "wildness and heart" that made Everything Everywhere All at Once a phenomenon.

The Film's Working Title

During his appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Matt Damon referred to his new sci-fi film as The Breakfast Club, according to WION. This title appears to be a working or descriptive title, referencing the directors' pitch that the project is like 'The Breakfast Club meets Inception meets an anime film meets an episode of The John Oliver Show that didn't get aired.' The project is otherwise untitled as of July 2026.