Jericho Rosales had a fanboy moment to remember after meeting Hollywood star Matt Damon, who even expressed hope that they could one day work on a project together.
The Filipino actor recently flew to Mumbai, India, to attend the international premiere of Christopher Nolan's newest film, The Odyssey, where he got the chance to meet some of Hollywood's biggest names, including the filmmaker himself and his wife, producer Emma Thomas, along with lead stars Matt and Tom Holland.
Aside from being among the first audiences to watch the highly anticipated film, Jericho also shared glimpses of his memorable experience on Instagram.
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One moment that stood out was his encounter with Matt.
In a reel uploaded on July 13, Jericho shared how he had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Oscar-winning actor and ask for an autograph. As Matt prepared to sign his notepad, he asked for Jericho's name, prompting the Filipino actor to lightheartedly explain that it was spelled like the biblical "Walls of Jericho."
While Matt signed the autograph, Jericho took the opportunity to tell him how much he admired his work. The Hollywood actor is best known for his critically acclaimed movies The Martian and the Bourne franchise.
"Man, you inspire me so much," Jericho told the Hollywood actor.
"Thanks man, I really appreciate it," Matt replied.
Just as Jericho was about to leave after thanking him, Matt surprised the actor with a statement that left him speechless.
"Hopefully we [will] work together," Matt said.
The unexpected remark immediately became the highlight of Jericho's trip.
"I died when he said that," Jericho wrote in the caption of his post.
"I will support this man forever. God bless you, Matt Damon! 🫶 THANK YOU. You don't know what that means to me ❤️🔥," he added.
The Loyalty Game actor later uploaded a longer version of the interaction on Instagram Stories, where his excitement became even more evident.
"I would die inside," he told Matt before asking in disbelief, "What? Work together?" as he reacted with visible excitement.
“Kinilig ka na ba ng ganito?” he added in the caption.
INSERT: JERICHO MATT IG STORY
The heartwarming exchange quickly drew reactions from friends and fans, many of whom expressed hope that the two actors would eventually share the screen.
"Lodiiiiiiiiiiii," commented Jericho's girlfriend, Janine Gutierrez.
"Wowwwwww 👏 that was unforgettable 😊♥️,” Ultimate Performer Vina Morales wrote.
"Happy for you brother," OPM Chief Ogie Alcasid added.
Journalist Karen Davila also cheered him on, writing, "OMGGGGG! Claim it 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼."
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In another video documenting his international trip, Jericho gave followers a closer look at his experience attending the premiere and the film's press conference alongside its cast and filmmakers.
"What an experience," he said.
"It's so much fun... It's a Nolan film. What can you expect? It's always going to be big and it's always going to be great. Watching this film makes you feel like you're part of the adventure. You're part of the journey home."
He even expressed, "Love you man," while referring to the filmmaker.
Jericho also showed the unique souvenir given to guests: a popcorn container designed to resemble an IMAX camera.
"I wish Christopher Nolan would sign this for me, but I'm too shy to approach him," he admitted.
Still, the actor jokingly shared that he would gladly take any role if given the opportunity to work with the acclaimed filmmaker someday.
"One could just wish for an actor like me na mapasama siya sa pelikula na 'yon. If I had to audition to become a sword in the film, I would do it," he quipped.
Jericho likewise praised Matt's performance in the movie, revealing that it moved him to tears.
"Matt Damon gave an amazing, moving performance. Mind you, I cried so many times," he said.
Directed by Christopher, The Odyssey adapts Homer's Greek epic and follows Odysseus, portrayed by Matt, on his 10-year journey from the Trojan War to coming home back to Ithaca, where his wife Penelope and son Telemachus await. Along the way, he encounters sirens, giants, and sea gods that shape his epic voyage.
Apart from Matt, the film also features Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, and more.
The Odyssey opens in Philippine cinemas on July 15.
Meanwhile, Jericho stars alongside Janine in the suspense-thriller series The Loyalty Game, now streaming on Prime Video.