In a surprising twist during the closing of his Brooklyn Week, Jimmy Kimmel was joined by an unexpected guest when Matt Damon appeared on stage dressed in a neon furry mascot costume. The costume resembled Frankie Focus, a character introduced by Governor Kathy Hochul to help children concentrate in school. Damon’s appearance came during the Friday episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, catching both the audience and viewers off guard.
The Costume Reveal and Exchange
Initially, the identity behind the mascot was unclear. However, the mascot’s pointed jabs at Kimmel revealed the presence of Matt Damon, reigniting their ongoing feud. Kimmel addressed the crowd, warning,
“Stop cheering for him. This is breaking and entering,”
highlighting that Damon had pulled off a similar stunt before.
Damon explained the motive behind his surprise visit, stating,
“I wore this costume because it’s the last chance to get on the show. I know we’ve had our differences over the years. But, I wanted to be here tonight for your last show ever.”
Kimmel then clarified,
“This isn’t my last show ever. We have a show Monday.”
Damon responded with a pointed jab:
“No, but the president cancelled you — which I was a big fan of, by the way. I mean, when he said you had zero ratings and no talent, I was like, ‘I’ve been saying that for years.’”
Background of the Damon-Kimmel Tension
The playful yet tense interactions between Damon and Kimmel date back to 2005, during the third season of the show. In one episode, Kimmel apologized on air for bumping Damon off the show due to time constraints, despite Damon never being booked as a guest. This sparked a long-running joke that Kimmel consistently prevented Damon from appearing as an invited guest. Over the years, Damon has managed to “sneak” onto the program multiple times, with assistance from friends such as Ben Affleck and Sarah Silverman.
Significance and Ongoing Dynamics
This latest stunt not only delighted fans but also brought the long-standing Matt Damon Jimmy Kimmel feud back into public attention with its blend of humor and rivalry. The unexpected mascot appearance underscores the unusual camaraderie and competition between the two celebrities that continues to generate buzz. As Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains a staple on ABC weeknights, the relationship between Kimmel and Damon promises more surprises and exchanges in future episodes.
