One of the longest-lasting and most renowned friendships in Hollywood history exists between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. And the two often collaborate on film projects as well. However, the frequent partners have yet to share one thing- an on-screen kiss.
Well, they form one of the rarest pairs of best friends in the movie business. Their strong bond is a shining example of pure love and adoration because they have been by each other’s side for such a long time. But, did you know that they actually came close to kissing for their 2021 film, The Last Duel, but the fans were unable to see it?
Despite growing up as friends, Damon and Affleck entered the entertainment industry separately in the 1980s. Further, they collaborated while working on writing and starring in the 1997 film, Good Will Hunting.
The two even received an Oscar for the film, and their speech on the Academy Awards stage is still regarded as one of Hollywood’s most memorable moments.
Also Read: “The ‘f-slur for a homosexual’”: Matt Damon’s Homophobic Confession Left Jason Bourne Fans Pissed
The On-Screen Kiss Between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck??
Returning to their BFF pair, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck once appeared together in Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel. While playing characters who were opposed to one another, they were scheduled to film their first on-screen kiss.
In a 2021 interview with Entertainment Tonight, the Gone Girl actor disclosed that the movie’s script called for them to share a kiss:
“In the original actual version of that scene, the way that ceremony actually took place was that you kissed everybody on the mouth. And we had that in the script.”
Meanwhile, Damon interrupted, displaying his goofy side, saying:
“That would have been our first on-screen kiss.”
Affleck went on to say that because their lip-locking moment was cut from the original scene, fans of his and Damon would have to wait a little longer to see them kiss.
The Jason Bourne actor, however, kneeled twice in front of Affleck for the shot as he said:
“Ridley (Scott) thought it would be distracting, and his instincts are pretty good.”
The Kissing Scene In The Last Duel Was Changed
Ben Affleck’s Count Pierre d’Alençon and Matt Damon’s Jean de Carrouges in The Last Duel were supposed to lock lips.
But director, Ridley Scott had Damon submit to Affleck’s oppressive character. According to The Martian actor, his best friend and co-star in the 2021 film did it on purpose:
“In fact, the scene where I kneel before him, Ben just improvised this thing where I started to say my line and he just interrupted me and goes, ‘Closer.’ And I have to kind of get up and kneel again in front of him.”
The Last Duel examined the actual European legal and feudal structures from three different angles. The movie, which was based on Eric Jager’s book, delved deeply into a tale of love, betrayal, and vengeance.
The plot centered on Marguerite de Carrouges’ horrifying s*xual assault account. The character was played by Free Guy actress, Jodie Comer. The Last Duel, a historical action drama movie, was released in October 2021 and received favorable reviews from critics.
Despite having a poor opening weekend worldwide, the movie went on to enjoy financial success in VOD and other post-theatrical markets.
Recently, Affleck and Damon collaborated on the biographical sports drama film, Air, which was released on April 5, 2023.
Directed by Ben Affleck, Air is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Source- Entertainment Tonight
