Actor Matt Damon has credited Edward Norton's 1996 performance in Primal Fear as the catalyst for creating Good Will Hunting alongside Ben Affleck. Inspired by what he saw as an exemplary role, Damon decided to write his own screenplay rather than compete for similar parts in Hollywood. This decision proved pivotal, establishing Damon's early career and enabling him to develop his reputation as a versatile performer capable of tackling diverse roles.

Damon reportedly told Affleck that "there's never gonna be a role that good that comes down," expressing that they "wrote [Good Will Hunting] out of necessity" after witnessing Norton's work in Primal Fear. The success of this self-penned project launched Damon into Hollywood prominence, allowing him to transition between critically acclaimed dramas like The Talented Mr Ripley and Saving Private Ryan, as well as later high-octane franchises such as the Bourne series. Norton's balance of humanity and complex characterisation in Primal Fear appears to have influenced Damon's subsequent approach to character work across his career, including performances in Interstellar.