Matt Damon and Jimmy Kimmel Continue Their Long-Standing Fake Feud on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Matt Damon surprised audiences on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to extend his ongoing fake feud with Jimmy Kimmel, promoting the upcoming film The Odyssey, which opens next month.
On the evening of June 17, 2023, Jimmy Kimmel made his last appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! before a summer break, during which guest hosts will fill in until his return in the fall. The occasion coincided with the promotion of Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey, set to premiere in theaters exactly one month later. With Kimmel unavailable for promotion closer to the release date, Matt Damon made a surprise appearance to continue their now 20-plus year fake feud, a rivalry that has become a familiar tradition despite growing tiresome in recent years.
Damon's entrance was fittingly theatrical, as he arrived concealed in a model of the Trojan Horse, referencing the iconic scene from The Iliad. This setup was particularly appropriate since Damon stars in The Odyssey, which takes place after the events of The Iliad. Over the years, Damon has frequently attempted to sneak onto Kimmel’s set, making this bit a natural extension of their ongoing comedic rivalry.
The commitment to their performances remains evident, characterized by immature and sometimes harsh jokes, punctuated by playful pool noodle fights. Kimmel typically appears convincingly annoyed, while Damon often seems desperately engaged in their antics. The fact that this routine has lasted for over two decades speaks to its comfort and familiarity, even if it lacks artistic innovation. Audiences have come to expect this dynamic, and it would feel unusual if Damon simply appeared for a standard interview without the familiar banter.
In a lighter note, some viewers have remarked that Damon appears to look better than he has in recent years.
In addition to the comedic exchange, the promotion of The Odyssey has garnered considerable attention. The film sold out advance tickets for 70mm screenings a year prior to its release. When general advance tickets went on sale earlier this month, fans experienced long wait times akin to those for concert tickets. Awareness and anticipation for the film are palpable, with early projections estimating an opening weekend gross of around $100 million, on the conservative side. More precise financial forecasts are expected next week, especially given that Christopher Nolan is recognized as one of the few event directors in the industry. The film's release date of July 17 coincides with the World Cup final weekend, making the box office performance that Sunday a point of interest for analysts.
