Matt Damon revives long-running Jimmy Kimmel feud with epic Trojan horse entrance
Damon used a giant horse to promote his new film, 'The Odyssey'
Matt Damon found a creative way to promote his upcoming film The Odyssey while reigniting his long-running comedic feud with Jimmy Kimmel.
During Thursday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the late-night host was interrupted when a UPS delivery arrived carrying a giant horse and a smaller horse onto the stage. A confused Kimmel insisted he had not ordered either item as the unusual delivery was wheeled into the studio.
The surprise quickly turned into one of the show’s trademark Damon-Kimmel moments when the larger horse suddenly opened to reveal Damon hiding inside.
“The horse is here and there’s no takebacks,” Damon declared after emerging from the prop. “I did it! I am here, baby!”
Leaning into his role as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey, Damon jokingly told the audience he had travelled “through waves and war” to rescue them from mediocrity.
Kimmel immediately fired back, accusing the actor of trespassing and adding another chapter to their decades-long mock rivalry. Damon responded with a string of playful insults, setting the tone for a rapid-fire exchange that had the audience laughing throughout the segment.
When Kimmel asked how long he had been hiding inside the horse, Damon jokingly responded by asking whether the New York Knicks had won, implying he had been there for quite some time.
The actor then revealed the real reason for his appearance: promoting The Odyssey, which is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on July 17.
“What does it look like?” Damon quipped. “I’m on your show. I’m promoting a new movie.”
Kimmel suggested Damon may have taken the role solely so he could stage a Trojan Horse entrance on the programme. Damon denied the accusation but continued the back-and-forth with a series of jokes aimed at the host.
The stunt referenced one of the most famous moments from Greek mythology, with the Trojan Horse playing a central role in the story that inspired Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation.
Damon’s surprise appearance marked the latest chapter in one of late-night television’s longest-running comedic feuds, a gag that has seen the actor and Kimmel exchange barbs for years through surprise cameos, fake apologies and elaborate pranks.
With The Odyssey now entering its promotional campaign, Damon ensured that his latest appearance would be difficult for both Kimmel and viewers to forget.
