Hollywood heavyweight Matt Damon has revealed that he’s friends with Kiwi director Taika Waititi – and it’s what led to his cameo appearance in Waititi’s box office hit Thor: Ragnarok.
Speaking to Collider, Damon said that he had never considered doing a Marvel film, but a phone call from Waititi and Thor star Chris Hemsworth changed his mind.
Chris Hemsworth and Taika Waititi joke around at an event in New York in October 2017.
“Chris just called me up, and Taika called me up, and I’m friends with those guys. They pitched me the idea and I just thought it was hysterical.”
“I just thought it was just a great, funny bit, and very easy to do. Those guys were a lot of fun, and Taika runs a really fun set. It was a light lift for me.”
Damon’s cameo was a closely guarded secret. His scene also includes Kiwi actor Sam Neill, who worked with Waititi in Hunt for the Wilderpeople.
Friends Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth at a Golden Globes event in January 2017.
Waititi’s star has risen rapidly this year. Thor was a box office smash and he has been widely praised for rebooting the Marvel franchise, seemingly taking on the USD $180 million blockbuster with ease.
His trademark humour and typical laid-back style was well received on set and other Hollywood studios are already lining up to work with him.
Earlier this month his name was linked to the Star Wars franchise, with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy saying she “would love for him to direct a Star Wars movie.”
No word yet on whether Damon will be on board for another cameo.
