Matt Damon Backs New ‘Good Will Hunting’ Project in Massachusetts

It’s a film that left an indelible mark on Hollywood, catapulting Matt Damon and his lifelong friend, Ben Affleck, into the limelight. Good Will Hunting began its journey in a film class where Matt Damon first started writing it. Eventually, he brought Ben Affleck on board, and the duo created a masterpiece. Released in 1997, the film made a whopping $225 million at the box office, despite having a modest $10 million budget. It garnered nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director.

The film took home two Oscars. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck won the award for Best Original Screenplay. Additionally, Robin Williams was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding performance.

Fast forward to today, it has been 10 years since the tragic death of Robin Williams on August 11, 2014. Matt Damon is now setting out on a mission to honor his late friend with a permanent memorial.

According to Boston Globe Media, Matt Damon wants to erect a statue of Robin Williams in Boston Public Garden. Both Matt and Ben have deep roots in Boston, having been raised in Cambridge, and Good Will Hunting itself is set around South Boston and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

One of the most iconic scenes from the movie takes place in the Boston Public Garden. This scene is often credited for aiding Robin Williams in securing his Oscar. The bench from this scene has even become a popular tourist spot for fans of the film.

In 2015, Garry McLinn, an administrator from MIT, reached out to Friends of the Public Garden—a nonprofit allied with Boston’s Department of Park and Recreation. However, his request for a statue was met with a “very polite” rejection, according to Boston Globe Media.

The idea has gained momentum once again, and the proposed statue would be placed right next to that iconic bench, as reported by People Magazine. Matt Damon fully supports the initiative.

I don’t know if it will happen, but I really hope it does. Someone proposed to us an artist to do a bronze statue of Robin and permanently put it there, and the idea being that if you feel alone you can go sit next to him, which I think is the coolest idea. It would be the most beautiful installation and such a tribute to that guy, who I think would have loved that.

Many share Matt Damon’s enthusiasm for this memorial, seeing it as a fitting tribute to Robin Williams’ legacy and his unforgettable performance in Good Will Hunting. Fans of the film and the late actor hope that this statue will bring comfort and inspiration to visitors, just as Robin did through his work.

Matt Damon is not alone in his efforts. The proposal has garnered support from various corners, as people recognize the emotional and historical significance of such a tribute. While it remains uncertain whether the statue will come to fruition, the idea itself has sparked a conversation about the ways we remember and honor those who have touched our lives.

The statue of Robin Williams in Boston Public Garden could serve not just as a tribute to his talent and kindness but also as a reminder of the lasting impact of art and friendship. For many, the bench in the Boston Public Garden is already a place of homage, and the addition of a statue would make it even more meaningful.

As fans and supporters wait to see whether the statue will become a reality, the sentiment behind the effort is clear. Robin Williams left a legacy that continues to inspire and comfort, and a statue in Boston Public Garden would be a heartfelt way to celebrate his life and contributions to the world.

Source: Boston Globe Media, People Magazine