Matt Damon discusses Donald Trump cameo rule in Hollywood, revealing that during the 1980s and 1990s, Donald Trump manipulated his real estate leverage to insist on screen appearances in major film projects, including one involving Al Pacino. These unusual requirements came into play when Hollywood productions sought access to iconic properties like the Plaza Hotel, often resulting in cameo scenes that were filmed but seldom made the final cut.
Trump’s Demands for Screen Time in Return for Filming Locations
In the late twentieth century, Donald Trump, well known as a business real-estate tycoon, used his celebrity and ownership of prestigious New York real estate to influence Hollywood productions. Trump’s ownership of the Plaza Hotel, a frequent set for filmmakers, allowed him to impose conditions such as mandatory cameo appearances when productions wanted to use his buildings. Notably, this practice was not limited to family films like Home Alone 2 or kid-friendly releases such as The Little Rascals, but also affected critically acclaimed movies like Scent of a Woman, which starred Al Pacino and featured direction by Martin Brest.
Matt Damon recalled that filming in Trump’s properties typically required directors and casts to spend additional time on unnecessary scenes involving Trump. According to Damon, director Martin Brest and the Scent of a Woman crew had to comply with these stipulations. Damon explained that even if these scenes were eventually removed in post-production, the rules demanded valuable production time be devoted to Trump’s on-screen inclusion. Al Pacino, who earned his first Oscar for the film, was reportedly required to address Trump by name, highlighting the extent of these cameo conditions.
“The deal was that if you wanted to shoot in one of his buildings, you had to write him in a part. [Director] Martin Brest had to write something in Scent of a Woman — and the whole crew was in on it. You have to waste an hour of your day with a bullsh– shot: Donald Trump walks in and Al Pacino’s like, ‘Hello, Mr. Trump!’ — you had to call him by name — and then he exits. You waste a little time so that you can get the permit, and then you can cut the scene out. But I guess in Home Alone 2 they left it in.”
—Matt Damon, Actor
Chris O’Donnell, Al Pacino’s co-star, later confirmed the existence of the scrapped scene in Scent of a Woman, which featured Trump and Marla Maples. While this specific cameo never appeared in the released film, it reflected a broader pattern in which Trump reportedly prioritized his own visibility in entertainment, often at the expense of production efficiency and creative direction.
Long-Lasting Regret over Trump’s Appearance in Home Alone 2
Although Scent of a Woman did not ultimately include Trump’s cameo, director Chris Columbus was not as fortunate with Home Alone 2. Despite doubts and second thoughts, the scene with Trump remained in the sequel, and Columbus has since expressed remorse for its inclusion. Factors such as early screening reactions weighed heavily, but the pressure to use Trump’s Plaza Hotel left the director without much leverage.
“It’s become this thing that I wish … was not there”
—Chris Columbus, Director
“Years later, it’s become this curse. It’s become this thing that I wish it was not there. What’s going through this guy’s mind? He said I was lying. I’m not lying. He said I begged him to be in the movie, but there’s no world I would ever beg a non-actor to be in a movie. But we were desperate to get the Plaza Hotel.”
—Chris Columbus, Director
Chris Columbus reflected on the enduring consequences of having Trump’s cameo in the film, describing it as a burden that persists with the movie’s legacy. He defended his account of events against Trump’s denials, emphasizing that the arrangement came from necessity rather than artistic desire, and that no genuine director would seek out a non-actor for a critical role. Both Home Alone 2 and Scent of a Woman illustrate how location logistics and on-set demands can shape a film’s content in unexpected, sometimes regrettable, ways.
Hollywood’s Mixed History with Trump’s Entertainment Aspirations
Trump’s repeated efforts to appear in films were not limited to these incidents. His persistent interest in the entertainment industry was underscored by his reported SAG pension fund and his high-profile approach to business and celebrity. This history is particularly striking in light of his later criticism of Hollywood. Studios and talents like Al Pacino, Martin Brest, Chris Columbus, Chris O’Donnell, and Marla Maples found themselves navigating these unusual requirements during a pivotal period in modern film history.
The ongoing conversation about Trump’s influence and Hollywood’s responses continues to provide insight into how power dynamics and access can intersect with creative projects. Scent of a Woman, which garnered critical acclaim and major awards, remains accessible to a new generation of viewers, while stories about its behind-the-scenes challenges endure.
The lasting impact of these forced cameos invites scrutiny over how business leverage can reshape cinematic history, sometimes forcing filmmakers and actors into situations that detract from their creative vision. As these accounts resurface, the industry reckons with the legacy of celebrity influence and the complicated negotiations required to bring iconic films to life.
