Kevin Smith made a name for himself in the mid-90s with such films as CLERKS, MALLRATS, CHASING AMY & DOGMA and with that came some clout to potentially direct projects of his choice. After in indie success of CLERKS, the script for GOOD WILL HUNTING came his way and he had the first shot at directing the future Oscar-winning film starring Matt Damon, Robin Williams & Ben Affleck.
During an interview with "Variety", Smith admitted that he was given the opportunity to direct GOOD WILL HUNTING because he already had a tight relationship with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, who wrote the script that would ultimately change their lives forever. Smith ultimately passed on the chance to helm the film and here is why:
"I still don't think I would be good at making Good Will Hunting. Even 22 years on. Gus [Van Sant] knew exactly what to do with that. Harvey, at one point, when I brought the script in, he was like, "Why don't you direct it? You know the boys." And the boys were like, "Oh my God! You direct it." They were coming from Castle Rock and Andy Scheinman wanted to direct it, and I think they were like, anybody but Andy Scheinman. I watch that movie today and it still give me f-king chills, and the scene when he goes to knock on the door makes me cry. I did not have enough talent to pull it off then. Even now, I don't think I do. I was happy to help them get their stuff made. And can you believe it? At one point in my life, I had enough juice to help somebody else? But I was always in it to tell my stories
Admittedly, Kevin Smith's filmography at the time didn't really show signs he could take on a project like GOOD WILL HUNTING but it would've been interesting to see what he would've brought to it. Kevin Smith stays more in the line of comedy and maybe a little light dramedy and GOOD WILL HUNTING was a much more dramatic affair that he admits to not being refined enough to take on at the time. That being said, Smith did recognize the potential of the film and passed it on until it got into the right directorial hands. Those duties ultimately fell on Gus Van Sant.
GOOD WILL HUNTING told the offbeat drama about a tortured genius who preferred hanging out with his violent buddies and working a dead-end job rather than exploring his potential until a series of therapy sessions with a psychiatrist changes his life. The film went on to become a huge success, grossing $138.4 million domestically and $225.9 million worldwide. The movie also was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, ultimately winning Best Supporting Actor for Robin Williams & Best Original Screenplay for Matt Damon & Ben Affleck.
Do YOU think Kevin Smith could've taken on GOOD WILL HUNTING or was Gus Van Sant the right choice?