In a recent interview with his Oppenheimer co-star Emily Blunt for LADbible TV, Matt Damon, 52, shared a hilarious anecdote about his on-screen kiss with Scarlett Johansson, 38, in their 2011 dramedy film We Bought a Zoo.
The story, which revolves around an unexpected lunchtime choice and its consequences, had Blunt in stitches and left Damon playfully lamenting the “hell” he endured.
The actor recalled a particular scene where he and Johansson were supposed to share a intimate moment.
After completing a shot before lunch, both actors thought they were done with the kissing scenes for the day.
Johansson, feeling relaxed, decided to enjoy an onion sandwich during the break.
Little did they know, director Cameron Crowe had other plans.
“We went to lunch, and she and I both thought [filming the kissing scene] was over,” Damon explained to Blunt.
“She ate, like, an onion sandwich. And she came in, and [director] Cameron Crowe had set the camera up, and it was, like, a tight shot of the kiss.”
Johansson, realizing her mistake, exclaimed, “Aw s—! I literally just had an onion sandwich!”
Damon, amused by the situation, joked about the “horrible” experience he had to endure.
“Can you imagine how horrible that was for me? It was hell,” he said, laughing.
Blunt couldn’t help but play along, quipping, “It’s such a shame — she has such terrible lips. Must’ve been so awful.”
Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances, Damon and Johansson, both consummate professionals, carried on with the scene.
Damon admitted to playfully teasing Johansson about her onion breath throughout the shoot, even though he couldn’t actually smell it.
“I was making fun of her the entire time about her onion breath, which I didn’t even smell,” he said, adding with a chuckle, “Cause her breath smells like roses.”
The conversation, which began with a question about whether one should inform someone of their bad breath or keep quiet, took a humorous turn as Damon and Blunt bantered about the incident.
Blunt couldn’t resist poking fun at Damon, asking if he was still “slightly aroused” during the kiss despite the onion breath.
Damon’s response? A playful “It was hell.”
This behind-the-scenes story from We Bought a Zoo showcases the camaraderie and good-natured humor that often exists between co-stars on set.
It also serves as a reminder that even Hollywood’s biggest names are not immune to the occasional awkward moment or unexpected challenge during filming.
In We Bought a Zoo, Damon and Johansson played a pair who connect after Damon’s character, a widower, acquires a new home for his family that also includes a zoo on the property.
Johansson portrayed a zookeeper with whom Damon’s character develops a relationship.
The film, which also starred Thomas Haden Church and Elle Fanning, was a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and new beginnings.
While the onion-laden kiss may have been a less-than-ideal moment for Damon, it’s clear that he and Johansson share a good rapport and the ability to find humor in unexpected situations.
As for Blunt, her playful teasing and genuine amusement at the story are a testament to the friendly dynamic between the Oppenheimer co-stars.
