Matt Damon Reveals What It's Like Kissing Scarlet Johanson - Fama

Matt Damon an Scarlett Johansson at "We Bought a Zoo" Scene (Photo: 20th Century Studios)

In Hollywood, Scarlett Johansson has earned a reputation as one of the sexiest actresses, captivating countless admirers who dream of sharing the screen with her. Yet, behind the scenes, not all moments are as glamorous as they appear. This was vividly illustrated by Matt Damon, star of the recent blockbuster "Oppenheimer," who recounted a rather unappealing experience from their collaboration in the 2011 film "We Bought a Zoo."

In "We Bought a Zoo," Damon and Johansson play a couple, sharing several intimate scenes, including a memorable kiss. However, what was intended to be a romantic moment turned into a less-than-pleasant memory for Damon, who described the experience as akin to "hell."

"I had to kiss Scarlett Johansson. Can you imagine how awful that was for me? It was like hell." Damon revealed in an interview.

The source of Damon’s discomfort stemmed from an unexpected cause: an onion sandwich. Prior to filming their kissing scene, Johansson had eaten a sandwich loaded with onions. This unanticipated dietary choice created an awkward situation when the duo had to reshoot their kiss for a close-up.

Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

"We filmed the scene before lunch, and it ended with a kiss. It went well, and we thought we were done. Then we broke for lunch, and Scarlett had an onion sandwich," Damon explained. Upon returning to set, director Cameron Crowe needed a close-up of the kiss, prompting Johansson to confess her lunch choice.

"Scarlett came back, and Cameron Crowe set up the camera for a close-up of the kiss. Scarlett said, 'Oh crap, I just had an onion sandwich!' I joked about her onion breath, though, in reality, she smelled like roses," Damon added humorously.

This incident underscores the importance of communication and etiquette on set, particularly when filming intimate scenes. Damon, joined by his "Oppenheimer" co-star Emily Blunt during the interview, highlighted the need for actors to inform their co-stars if they have eaten something with a strong odor.

Both Damon and Blunt agreed that being upfront about bad breath can significantly impact the quality of their performances, making it crucial for maintaining professionalism and comfort during filming.

The story serves as a reminder that even Hollywood's biggest stars experience awkward and challenging moments. It also sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape the final product seen on screen.

"We Bought A Zoo" Scene (Photo: 20th Century Studios)

For fans and aspiring actors, these anecdotes offer valuable insights into the realities of the film industry. They illustrate the importance of preparation, communication, and a sense of humor in overcoming on-set challenges.

Despite the onion sandwich mishap, Johansson handled the situation with grace and professionalism. Her ability to laugh it off and continue with the scene reflects her dedication and adaptability as an actress, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to her success in Hollywood.

Damon’s candid recounting of the incident highlights his seasoned perspective on the industry. His willingness to share such stories adds a layer of authenticity to his public persona, endearing him further to audiences who appreciate his openness and humor.

The Hollywood spotlight often hides the less glamorous aspects of filmmaking, but stories like the one shared by Matt Damon bring a refreshing honesty to the fore. Scarlett Johansson’s experience on the set of "We Bought a Zoo" serves as a humorous yet enlightening glimpse into the unexpected challenges actors face. It also emphasizes the importance of professionalism and communication, proving that even the sexiest woman in Hollywood can have an off day – all thanks to an onion sandwich.