The Binion family invited the stars of the film to participate in that year’s $10,000 Main Event, which they did with the intent of promoting the film.ĭirector John Dahl revealed that Norton busted “with a full house” while Damon fell at the hands of the late Doyle Brunson after running kings into aces all in preflop. Brunson Busts Damon Edward Norton & Matt Damon register for the 1998 WSOP.īefore the film was released in September, the 1998 World Series of Poker (WSOP) took place from April 21 to May 19. They both proved exceptional and they ultimately decided to agree that their fandom was on an equal level. They tried to prove it by reciting lines from that film during their downtime on Rounders. It was a favorite of both Norton and Damon, who both claimed to be the bigger fan.

That film is about a bounty hunter pursues a former Mafia accountant who is also being chased by a rival bounty hunter, the F.B.I., and his old mob boss after jumping bail. In the same commentary track, Norton revealed that he and co-star Matt Damon, who met on this film, quickly bonded over their shared love of the 1988 film Midnight Run starring Robert De Niro and the late Charles Grodin. Highlights from 'Rounders' Screenplay Posted by Brian Koppelman Midnight Run a Bonding Experience It was exactly two years to the day that filming began. Interestingly, screenwriter Brian Koppelman decided to write a poker film after losing $750 in an underground New York poker game on December 15, 1995.

It wound up being an accelerated shoot of approximately 45 days. Despite the filmmakers not thinking they could land Norton, who was coming off some successful films, the up-and-coming star signed on and was on set filming a month later. In one DVD commentary track featuring director John Dahl, the two screenwriter, and Norton, the actor revealed that he received the script in November 1997.

Phil Hellmuth & Edward Norton in the 1998 WSOP Main Event.

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