Will Damon and Norton bring Rounders back?

Christine Denosta August 6, 2024

In a recent interview, Matt Damon fuelled excitement within the poker community by expressing his eagerness to reprise his iconic role as Mike McDermott. His comments have sparked renewed hope for a potential “Rounders” sequel, sending waves of anticipation through fans of the cult classic film.

💻 Matt Damon

Could we really be getting a "Rounders" sequel after all these years?

cc: @briankoppelman @DavidLevien pic.twitter.com/wuqwcm9eOC
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) July 31, 2024

Damon, alongside co-star Ed Norton, has been vocal about their desire to revisit the high-stakes world of underground poker. The duo, who portrayed inseparable friends Mike McDermott and Lester “Worm” Murphy, believe that the evolution of the poker landscape since the original film’s release in 1998 presents a compelling opportunity for a new chapter.

“The one that we’ve been talking about for years, and I just saw Edward Norton a few weeks ago, all of us want to do it is a second Rounders movie,” Damon shared. “Because so much has happened in that poker world in the last 25 years. It would be fun to catch up with those guys.”

Despite its initial box office underperformance, Rounders has achieved legendary status among poker enthusiasts. The film’s gritty portrayal of the underground poker scene, coupled with the charismatic performances of Damon and Norton, has cemented its place as a cultural touchstone.

However, bringing a sequel to fruition faces hurdles beyond the actors’ enthusiasm. Damon acknowledged the complexities of securing the rights and assembling a suitable production team. “There’s a whole, you’ve got to figure out the chain of title and who owns it. So, we got to figure out a way to make a deal that makes sense for everybody, particularly the people who are going to make the movie,” he explained.

Rounders II: Necessary sequel or nostalgic overreach?

While the idea of a Rounders sequel excites many, not everyone is convinced it’s necessary. Some, like WSOP bracelet winner Will Jaffe, have mixed feelings. He tweeted, “Sounds great but we all know that this isn’t gonna happen. And if it does who are they gonna play? Rich part time businessmen? 50 year old circuit regs? Let some guys who’ve been in the grind take a shot. I’ll be Worm and Tony Dunst can play Mike Mcdrmt.”

Sounds great but we all know that this isn’t gonna happen. And if it does who are they gonna play? Rich part time businessmen? 50 year old circuit regs?

Let some guys who’ve been in the grind take a shot. I’ll be Worm and Tony Dunst can play Mike Mcdrmt
pic.twitter.com/IR7sodHthW
— WIll jaffe (@dankness3) August 1, 2024

Damon, now 53, acknowledges that a lot has changed since the original film, both in the characters’ lives and in the world of poker. Despite mixed opinions, the strong desire from many within the poker community for a sequel persists. As Damon and Norton continue to push for Rounders II, poker fans remain hopeful for another thrilling instalment in the saga of Mike McDermott and Worm.