Matt Damon is optimistic about a sequel to 'Rounders' - MovieMaker Magazine

      After more than 25 years, it appears a sequel to Rounders may be in development. Matt Damon, who portrayed the lead character Mike McDermott, is optimistic about a continuation of the story, and many who were involved in the original film share his enthusiasm. Damon mentioned that he has been in discussions with the original writers, and they have been exploring intriguing ideas for nearly a decade.

      Although Rounders was not a major success at the box office in 1998, it has become a cult classic over the years. While critics had mixed opinions, it is considered a must-watch among poker enthusiasts. Many fans regard it as the best poker movie ever and attribute their entry into the professional scene to this film. Rounders played a key role in sparking the poker boom in the early 2000s, but the landscape has changed significantly since then with advancements in technology and changes in regulations. If a sequel is developed, it could present a very different depiction compared to the underground poker scene of the original.

      The influence of Rounders

      Poker in cinema has not always been well-received by actual poker players. Often, dramatic representations overshadow realistic gameplay, which some may feel misrepresents the game and detracts from the viewing experience. Rounders was one of the first films to authentically capture the suspense and excitement of high-stakes poker.

      The movie expertly balanced cinematic elements with realistic details. Writer Brian Koppelman's extensive experience in the underground poker scene and his participation in clubs helped establish the film's authentic setting. Consequently, the movie resonated with many professional poker players and motivated others to pursue the game professionally, leading to the success of players like Hevad Khan, Gavin Griffin, and Dutch Boyd. The film also premiered at a time when online poker was starting to gain popularity, allowing aspiring professionals to hone their skills after viewing it.

      Connections to reality

      To present an authentic portrayal of poker in Rounders, Matt Damon dedicated time to learn the game and enhance his skills. He studied and learned from poker legends like Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan, the latter of whom makes a cameo in the film. Damon and co-star Edward Norton even participated in the 1998 World Series of Poker (WSOP), where Damon had the opportunity to compete against poker icon Doyle Brunson.

      After Rounders, he continued to play poker primarily for charitable causes. In 2020, he took part in an online poker tournament for Feeding America, organized by prominent US poker site ACR Poker, which is known for its secure and fair features, exciting tournaments, various promotions, and an impressive roster of Team Pros. He joined other celebrities in the tournament, going up against some of the top players in the field.

      Damon is not the only Hollywood figure with poker experience. His longtime friend and collaborator Ben Affleck also participated in the charity tournament and is recognized as a skilled player, having entered various WSOP events. Tobey Maguire is another frequent participant at poker gatherings and is well-known among the celebrity poker community. Other notable names like Bryan Cranston, Sarah Silverman, and even athlete Tom Brady took part in the Feeding America tournament. The sight of numerous famous individuals playing poker highlights the game’s evolution and increased visibility, a phenomenon that Rounders contributed to significantly over the years.

      What might a sequel entail?

      While there are currently no confirmed plans for a Rounders sequel, numerous fascinating directions exist for the potential film. The rapid technological advancements since its release could pave the way for a contemporary perspective on the game. A look at the characters' lives today could illustrate how poker has transitioned from secret clubs to a widespread cultural phenomenon bolstered by the rise of television, the internet, social media, streaming services, and more. It could also delve into the drama and glamour surrounding poker as a game for the elite, akin to another cult classic poker film, Molly's Game, which centered on a real-life poker empire involving celebrities, athletes, and business moguls. There is plenty of content for the writers to explore, but only time will reveal if a sequel is approved.

      For more updates and insights on film and filmmaking, be sure to check out MovieMaker.