Matt Damon’s 2016 fantasy action film The Great Wall has resurfaced as a major streaming success on HBO Max in the United States, almost nine years after its original theatrical debut. The movie sparked significant controversy at release due to its choice of a white protagonist in a predominantly East Asian setting, yet it continues to attract attention and viewers today.
The film features a diverse cast, including Chinese actress Jing Tian, Willem Dafoe, and Pedro Pascal, and unfolds around European mercenaries who join forces to fight mythical monsters in ancient China. Although not typically regarded as a high point in Matt Damon’s career, The Great Wall has maintained steady popularity since its initial run.
The Film Climbs to Number Four on HBO Max’s US Movie Streaming List
Directed by Zhang Yimou, The Great Wall has recently entered the top 10 on HBO Max’s American streaming chart, reaching as high as number four by July 8, 2025. It trails behind titles such as Ryan Coogler’s supernatural drama Sinners and Jared Hess’ A Minecraft Movie, signaling strong viewer interest despite its age. The movie originally earned $335 million worldwide at the box office during its 2016 release.
Matt Damon holds the leading role in this film, which is often cited as one of his few less successful projects in recent years. Still, the movie’s impressive box office results have been mirrored in its current streaming success. Notably, The Great Wall remains one of the few films entirely shot in China to achieve substantial international acclaim.
Mixed Reactions as The Great Wall Finds a New Audience Online
This resurgence on HBO Max follows a similar wave of popularity the movie experienced on Netflix in May 2024, where it also reached the number four position on their US streaming chart. The Great Wall’s appeal appears consistent across platforms and suggests it meets many of the audience’s preferences for summer entertainment akin to theatrical blockbusters.
Despite the continuing enthusiasm from viewers, the film has always been a lightning rod for debate, particularly concerning its casting choices and portrayal of history. Critics initially gave the movie some of the harshest reviews of Matt Damon’s career, yet this has done little to diminish its resonance with American audiences.
The controversy largely stems from Damon portraying one of only three white leads in a story set in medieval China, sparking discussions about representation and cultural sensitivity that remain relevant as the film continues to gain traction online.
Cast Highlights and Cultural Context Behind The Great Wall
The Great Wall features a notable ensemble cast with Matt Damon at the forefront supported by Chinese star Jing Tian, Lu Han, Willem Dafoe, and Pedro Pascal. Each actor plays a part in portraying the alliance between European mercenaries and ancient Chinese warriors battling monstrous creatures.
Director Zhang Yimou’s vision brought the film as an international collaboration filmed entirely within China, marking a significant production effort that distinguishes it from many other Western films set in Asia. This production context contributes to the ongoing discussions about the film’s cultural representation and its global reception.
What the Film’s Streaming Revival Means for Its Legacy
The renewed popularity of The Great Wall on HBO Max and Netflix underscores the complex relationship between film audiences and cultural narratives in Hollywood productions. While the movie’s casting choices continue to prompt reflection and debate, its ability to attract streaming viewers signals Matt Damon’s enduring presence as a leading action star.
As streaming platforms continue to expand access to diverse content libraries, films like The Great Wall may see further reevaluation and discussion among both audiences and critics. This revival could also influence how future historical fantasy films approach casting and storytelling within culturally sensitive contexts.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Matt Damon get a degree from Harvard?
A. Damon did not complete his undergraduate studies at Harvard University. He was 12 credits shy of graduating because he chose to act in “Geronimo: An American Legend.” After his time at university, he went on to perform in many movies that received Oscar nominations.
Q. Did Matt Damon get into Harvard?
A. Matt Damon grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and went to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, where he studied drama. When he was 18, he got a minor role in the movie Mystic Pizza (1988) and started studying English at Harvard University.
