Ben Affleck and Matt Damon revisited one of the most intense moments in their long friendship during a recent interview, describing a fight that ended with Damon needing hospital treatment. The altercation happened on the set of their 1992 drama School Ties, illustrating how a seemingly trivial incident escalated unexpectedly. This story sheds light on a behind-the-scenes moment in the careers of these two well-known actors, tied closely to Affleck Matt Damon fight stories from early in their careers.
The Childhood Prank That Turned Serious
During a segment on The Tonight Show, Damon shared details about the incident, explaining how boredom on set led to a game involving acorn throwing. Alongside other cast members including Brendan Fraser, Cole Hauser, and Chris O’Donnell, the young actors began hurling acorns at each other across the school grounds where filming took place. Affleck reflected on their youthful impulsiveness, commenting dryly about their poor judgment at that age.
The playful activity quickly turned dangerous when Affleck threw an acorn intended for Hauser, who dodged it, but the projectile struck Damon directly in the eye. Damon recounted the shock of the injury, describing it as the only time he couldn’t even blink before the impact, which led to an urgent hospital visit.
The Consequences and Concerns From the Injury
While Damon worried about his eye’s condition, Affleck was more concerned about his own position in the film, stating that although Damon’s vision was important, his initial fear was being fired for causing the accident. The injury was serious enough that Damon had to wear an eyepatch throughout his recovery, sparking a humorous exchange between the friends on the show.
“It was like, he really —”
Ben Affleck, responding during the interview
“Well, I mean, if you’re gonna play with fire…”
Ben Affleck, responding during the interview
Interestingly, Damon noted that he was not the only one wearing an eyepatch on the set, as the film’s first assistant director, Newt Arnold, also had an eyepatch at the time. The two reportedly took photos together wearing them, turning a tough moment into a shared joke.
“He was a great first A.D., old first A.D.,”
Matt Damon
Background of the Film and The Incident’s Place in Their Careers
School Ties, directed by Robert Mandel, centers on a young football star named David, played by Brendan Fraser, who faces challenging social dilemmas when attending an elite prep school. The film’s storyline of social tension contrasts with the off-camera misadventure experienced by Affleck, Damon, and their co-stars during shooting. This incident remains a vivid memory from their early days in the industry and stands out among their shared experiences.
The Lasting Impact on Two Hollywood Icons
The clash between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reveals how youthful recklessness can lead to unforeseen consequences, even between close friends. Despite the severity of the injury, their careers continued to flourish, and the story adds an unexpected chapter to their longstanding partnership. Affleck Matt Damon fight anecdotes like this one illustrate the deep history behind one of Hollywood’s most famous friendships, reminding audiences that even the closest bonds sometimes experience moments of strain.
