Will Smith and Matt Damon's Only Collaboration: 3 Reasons You Should Watch This Forgotten Flick

Published 07/26/2025, 8:02 AM EDT

From Matt Damon's breakout role in Good Will Hunting to high-stakes adventures like the Bourne series, Damon’s diverse filmography is an example of his transformative skill. On the other hand, Will Smith’s career spans from thrilling sci-fi adventures to deeply moving dramas, and it displays a remarkable breadth as an actor. These icons have worked together in one flick over their trajectories, which is a shocker, but the flick is nevertheless worth watching. Set against the lush greens and southern charm of the early twentieth century, this film invites viewers into a world where the game of golf becomes a canvas for personal transformation. 

Its blend of heartfelt storytelling and rich visual detail makes it a memorable cinematic experience worth rediscovering. If this movie is not yet on your watchlist, these reasons will surely convince you to add it.

A story of self-discovery and redemption

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Will Smith and Matt Damon have worked together in the flick The Legend of Bagger Vance, which is a charming tale of self-discovery and redemption. The plot follows Rannulph Junuh, a former golf prodigy played by Matt Damon, who has lost his way both on and off the course. With the help of a mysterious caddie, Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith, Junuh embarks on a journey to confront his past and find his authentic swing.

The film's narrative is woven with iconic scenes, such as the mystical and symbolic golf shots that showcase Bagger Vance's wisdom and guidance. As Junuh faces his challenges, the story unfolds into a transformative journey of growth and perseverance, making the film a compelling watch. With its engaging storyline, The Legend of Bagger Vance explores themes of spirituality and personal growth.

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A compelling plot is brought to life by a dedicated team whose collective efforts and challenges in embodying their characters shape the story’s success.

Two icons, Will Smith and Matt Damon, in a single frame

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Matt Damon as Rannulph Junuh and Will Smith as Bagger Vance, whose chemistry on screen is undeniable. Directed by Robert Redford, the movie is produced by Michael Nozik, Jake Eberts, and William S. Beasley. Redford's direction brings a sense of nuance and depth to the story, while the producers' expertise ensures a well-crafted film. With the story comes the challenges faced by Smith and Damon for the perfect execution.

Matt Damon, who played Rannulph Junuh, had to learn to play golf, spending up to eight hours a day practicing. He even cracked his rib once while over-swinging at a ball and had to have a chiropractor on set to pop his rib back in place. Damon described the experience as one of the hardest movies he had ever been in. According to The Morning Call, Will Smith, who played Bagger Vance, had to tone down his natural charisma and play a more subdued role. Smith said he "completely surrendered all his instincts” to fit Robert Redford's vision for the film.

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A production can never succeed without the location effectively justifying the plot and enhancing the scenes.

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Aesthetic locations of The Legend of Bagger Vance

The production team's attention to detail and commitment to storytelling are evident in every frame, particularly in the film's use of real locations. The Legend of Bagger Vance, one of the forgotten movies of Will Smith, was shot on location in Georgia and South Carolina, showcasing the natural beauty of the golf courses and the surrounding landscapes. The Legend of Bagger Vance is streaming on popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV, where viewers can experience its compelling story and beautiful visuals from the comfort of home. 

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Have you seen The Legend of Bagger Vance? Let us know in the comments below.

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Soma Mitra

138 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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