Did Bruce Willis mock Ben Affleck during Armageddon after Oscar success?

Ben Affleck’s ascent to stardom in Hollywood was nothing short of meteoric, highlighted by his collaboration with Bruce Willis in the blockbuster disaster film, “Armageddon,” alongside the unexpected triumph of “Good Will Hunting.” Yet, it was this rapid rise to fame that provided fodder for Willis to playfully rib Affleck on the set of Michael Bay’s chaotic apocalyptic epic.

In “Armageddon,” Willis led a team of drillers tasked with saving humanity by thwarting an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, encapsulating the high-stakes drama typical of ’90s disaster cinema. Affleck, portraying one of Willis’s employees romantically involved with his character’s daughter, found himself thrust into the spotlight amidst the film’s production and subsequent success.

Recalling his experience during an interview with NBC’s Bobbie Wygant, Affleck revealed how he transitioned from relative anonymity to burgeoning fame during the filming of “Armageddon,” thanks in part to the soaring popularity of “Good Will Hunting” during Oscars season. Willis, seizing the opportunity for some light-hearted banter, teased Affleck about his newfound celebrity status, mockingly suggesting upgrades to his trailer and commenting on his perceived inflated ego.

Despite the teasing, Affleck maintained a grounded perspective, finding solace in the routine of working alongside a cohesive ensemble on a daily basis. For him, the experience of making a space-themed blockbuster served as a grounding force, reminding him of the importance of staying rooted amidst the whirlwind of Hollywood acclaim.

“Armageddon” proved to be yet another triumph for Affleck, grossing over $500 million worldwide. Simultaneously, as he garnered acclaim for his performances in critically acclaimed films, Affleck solidified his status as a bankable star with blockbuster success. Willis’s playful jabs served as a gentle reminder to Affleck to stay humble amid his burgeoning fame, a testament to the camaraderie shared among the cast and crew amidst the chaos of a big-budget production.