Ryan Gosling was previously attached to star in an untitled sci-fi action comedy from "Everything Everywhere All at Once" directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, but exited the project shortly after. Now, Deadline reports that A-list actor Matt Damon is in negotiations to take over the role, though he has not yet officially signed on.
The film, which remains untitled, is slated for a Thanksgiving 2025 release on November 19. Kwan and Scheinert have previously described their next feature as an "existential" sci-fi action comedy, similar in tone to their Oscar-winning hit "Everything Everywhere All at Once."
Today, The Hollywood Reporter also revealed that the film's story elements include global warming, time travel, and potential superhero undertones. The plot will reportedly weave two timelines: one set in the 1980s and another in the modern day. The overall narrative is said to center around a group of teenagers, or at least the 1980s storyline will focus heavily on adolescent characters.
Sources indicate that Damon would portray the father of one of the teenagers. Gosling's departure was reportedly not due to scheduling conflicts, as initially suggested, but rather because he felt the role was too minor and essentially a supporting character. He requested more screen time, but with production nearing, script revisions were not feasible, leading to the recasting. Jack Black was also reportedly considered as a potential replacement before the team approached Damon.