“Rounders,” a highly acclaimed poker film, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this week. Poker News has planned material for the entire weekend.
The iconic film with Matt Damon and Ed Norton flopped at the box office. As poker grew in popularity in the 2000s, “Rounders” became a cult favorite. When the movie was released, poker wasn’t as popular as it is now. The film only made $22.9 million at the box office. “Rush Hour,” an action comedy released a week after “Rounders,” grossed over $244 million.
Despite its lackluster box office performance, “Rounders” remains beloved by poker players worldwide, who revisit it annually.
Poker players and “Rounders” will always love each other for many reasons. The best thing is its cast, made up of award-winning players. The story, written by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, intrigues poker players in the underground scene.
Damon, as Mike McDermott, quits poker after a lousy encounter with Teddy KGB, played by John Malkovich. Lester “Worm” Murphy is McDermott’s friend. He plans to lure him back into high-stakes poker games.
This choice causes a rift between McDermott and his girlfriend, Jo. Jo breaks up with him because she dislikes his gambling habit. In the end, McDermott chooses underground poker over his relationship. This leads to a high-stakes battle with Teddy KGB for his life and money.
For the 25th anniversary, PokerNews reached out to the “Rounders” writers. Due to the writers’ strike, they couldn’t say anything.
The poker community is thrilled about a potential “Rounders” sequel, a topic frequently discussed by Koppelman, an avid poker player. But it’s still being determined if this idea will become reality soon, or at all.
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There are many problems to solve, like reuniting the original group for a sequel 25 years later. If it occurred, there would be many questions. Why did McDermott join the WSOP? Did he get a coveted ring and reconcile with Jo? What about Worm? Has he changed, or is he still involved in illegal poker and close to jail?
Koppelman has often discussed “Rounders II” but hasn’t made it happen yet. Some fans oppose a sequel, fearing it would harm the original’s reputation. In contrast, others seek answers about Mike McDermott after 25 years.
Harvey Weinstein, a disgraced film producer convicted of sexual assault, suggested 2013 that Miramax Films might create sequels and TV adaptations of movies like “Rounders” and “Good Will Hunting,” starring Matt Damon.
Damon and Norton played in the 1998 World Series of Poker Main Event to promote the movie. Damon’s exit from the event became poker history when he lost with Pocket Kings against Doyle Brunson’s pocket aces despite not winning any money.
The Oscar winner returned to poker in 2007. He played in a WSOP tournament and appeared at the ESPN feature table. But not as good an actor. It was a mediocre crowd.
Damon has had many hits in his career, and “Rounders” is one of them, especially in the poker community. In the coming days, PokerNews will celebrate this movie’s 25th anniversary on social media and in a special show for fans to enjoy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Why are gamblers called Rounders?
Rounders are skilled players who frequent high stakes games. Despite their expertise, poker is still a game of chance. Success can be achieved by understanding the odds of winning and playing conservatively, but big payoffs are rare.
What was KGB’s tell in Rounders?
Teddy KGB had a unique tell that gave away his bluffing. Whenever he had nothing, he would break open his Oreo cookies but not eat them. However, when he had a winning hand, he would not only break open the Oreos but also devour them. This peculiar behavior was a clear indication of his hand strength at the poker table.
Is Rounders streaming anywhere?
Stream the crime movie Rounders, featuring Matt Damon, Ed Norton, and John Turturro, for free on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Vudu, Redbox, Prime Video, or Apple TV via your Roku device. Enjoy the thrilling storyline and stellar performances without spending a dime. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to watch one of the most iconic crime movies of all time.
What is Rounders based on?
This flick revolves around the clandestine poker world of NYC and tracks the journey of two buddies, Mike McDermott (portrayed by Matt Damon) and Lester “Worm” Murphy (played by Edward Norton), as they hustle to settle Worm’s mounting gambling dues.