Matt Damon’s Priceless Response to a Joke About His Biggest Flop

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck recently joined Project Big Screen to promote their latest Netflix crime thriller, The Rip. The interview was filled with lively banter about their new project, but things took an unexpected turn when the host decided to poke fun at Damon’s most notorious box office misfire, The Great Wall.

When a Gift Turns Into a Prank

As the conversation was winding down, one of the hosts mentioned he had a special gift for Damon from his Chinese in-laws. He handed Damon a red envelope, explaining, “It ’s a very special token of appreciation because they love the Great Wall.” Damon’s face lit up, genuinely surprised and delighted at the thought that someone actually enjoyed the film. “Really?” he asked, clearly taken aback.

But the host quickly revealed the joke: “No, they don’t. Sorry. I just had to get one.” Both Damon and Affleck burst out laughing, with Damon admitting, “I was so excited to meet somebody who liked that movie. ” He even joked that he wanted to bring the envelope home to show his daughter, who, as it turns out, is one of the film’s harshest critics.

Family Critique: Damon’s Daughter Isn’t a Fan

If there’s anyone who dislikes The Great Wall more than Damon himself, it’s his daughter. During the interview, Damon shared a story about how she refers to the movie simply as “The Wall.” When he corrected her, she shot back, “Dad, there’s nothing great.”

Damon has spoken before about his daughter’s blunt sense of humor, recalling on a podcast how she never misses a chance to rib him about the film. He also opened up about why he believes the movie was doomed from the start, saying the director, Zhang Yimou, compromised his vision to satisfy Hollywood producers. Damon reflected,

I was like, this is exactly how disasters happen. It doesn’t cohere. It doesn’t work as a movie… And my daughter knows it. Whenever she talks about the movie, she calls it ‘The Wall.’ And I’m like, come on, it’s called The Great Wall. And she’s like, ‘Dad, there’s nothing great about that movie.’ She’s one of the funniest people I know.

Behind the Scenes: What Went Wrong?

The Great Wall, directed by Zhang Yimou, was meant to be a major Hollywood debut for the acclaimed Chinese filmmaker. Damon has since revealed that the production was a difficult experience, as the director had to make significant changes to appease studio executives. The film tried to replicate the success of other Chinese blockbusters that found an audience in the U.S., but it failed to capture the same cultural magic.

With a budget of $150 million, the movie grossed $334 million worldwide, but it was widely panned by critics and audiences alike. The film’s weak plot, questionable visual effects, and the controversial casting of a white lead in a Chinese story drew heavy criticism. Many felt the role should have gone to a Chinese actor, and the “white savior” narrative didn’t sit well with viewers.

Legacy and Streaming Revival

Despite its rocky reception, The Great Wall has found new life on streaming platforms, recently making waves after landing on HBO Max. The cast included not only Damon, but also Jing Tian, Willem Dafoe, and Pedro Pascal. Still, the film’s reputation as a misfire lingers, and Damon’s candid humor about the experience continues to resonate with fans.