The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – Episode Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
• Host: NBC Universal
• Description: The Tonight Show is the longest-running talk show on television and the #1 late-night program on digital platforms. Tune in weekday mornings (Tuesday-Friday) for the latest news from Jimmy’s monologue, extended interviews with celebrity guests, sketches, games, stand-up, and more.
• Episode: Pentagon Accepts Qatar’s $400 Million Plane Bribe | Ana de Armas, Pom Klementieff, Jin
• Release Date: May 22, 2025

Opening Monologue: Satirical Take on Current Events

Timestamp: 00:05 - 07:17

Jimmy Fallon kicks off the episode with his signature humor, tackling a series of topical issues with wit and satire. He begins by referencing the rare May Nor’easter hitting New York City, joking about "opening your grill to wash away all the beehives and spider webs from last year" as the city prepares for the Memorial Day weekend.

Fallon humorously critiques Airbnb’s new anti-party technology aimed at preventing disruptive bookings, quipping, “If that doesn't work, they're just going to send a guy into the House with an acoustic guitar” (00:05). He then shifts to political satire, addressing the Senate’s passage of the "No Tax on Tips Act." He mockingly celebrates, stating, “That’s fantastic news for the three people who actually report their tips to the IRS” (00:45).

A significant portion of the monologue focuses on former President Trump’s interactions with the Pentagon and international leaders. Fallon humorously narrates Trump’s involvement in accepting a $400 million jet from Qatar, dubbing it “Air Force One” and imagining Trump as a child eagerly waiting for the ice cream man: “The plane's here. I can hear the music. The plane's here” (01:30).

He continues with a fictionalized account of Trump’s meeting with the President of South Africa, highlighting Trump’s abrasive questions and the President’s witty retort with concert tickets: “How did you get rid of Elon? I did. How did you do it during the meeting?... I don’t have a plane to give you. Here are tickets to a Springsteen concert in New Jersey” (02:10).

Fallon also lampoons House Republicans’ attempts to pass Trump’s expansive legislative agenda, featuring exaggerated and humorous quotes from various Congress members, all ending with the punchline, “Well, my last name” (03:00). The segment culminates with a joke about an Australian man being arrested and thrown overboard for attempting to climb a cruise ship: “Security threw him overboard, they clutched his hands and said, I'll never let go” (04:00).

Interview with Ana de Armas: Spotlight on "Ballerina"

Timestamp: 07:17 - 11:27

Guest Introduction: Jimmy Fallon introduces Ana de Armas, an Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in Knives Out, Blonde, and No Time to Die. Ana is here to promote her latest film, Ballerina, set to release on June 6th.

Discussion Highlights:

• Promotion of "Ballerina":

  • Jimmy Fallon: “Congratulations on this movie... It’s the best ice cream in the world” (07:30)
  • Ana de Armas: Shares her enthusiasm, mentioning she already sampled some backstage treats: “I already had some backstage” (07:34)
  • Jimmy Fallon: Inquires about her training for the action-packed role, leading to Ana revealing months of combat training and the intensity of learning fight choreography: “It was a pretty extensive training... There was so much fighting, but it's a real deal” (08:09)

• Working with Keanu Reeves:

  • Jimmy Fallon: Teases about fighting Keanu Reeves, to which Ana responds with admiration: “He is a pro. He's beautiful at it... He gives you your time, and he's just... I’m coming for you” (09:04)
  • Ana de Armas: Reflects on her on-screen chemistry and friendship with Keanu, highlighting his professionalism and generosity on set.

• Character Development and Franchise Integration:

  • Ana de Armas: Describes Ballerina as an organic extension of the John Wick franchise, emphasizing the shift in perspective to her character, Eve: “We get to see this world through the eyes of someone that wants in” (10:26)
  • Discusses the emotional depth of her character amidst the high-octane action sequences, adding heart and humor to the narrative.

Jimmy Fallon praises Ana’s dedication and performance, affirming the film’s place within the beloved action universe: “Ballerina is in theaters June 6th. Stick around, everybody” (11:22).

Interview with Pom Klementieff: Adventures in Skydiving and Stunt Work

Timestamp: 12:33 - 18:04

Guest Introduction: Pom Klementieff, known for her role in the Mission: Impossible series, joins the show to discuss her latest projects and personal adventures, including an exclusive Vogue cover featuring her skydiving.

Discussion Highlights:

• Vogue Cover and Skydiving:

  • Jimmy Fallon: Compliments Pom’s unique Vogue cover, noting her skydiving pose: “I’ve never seen a Vogue cover with anyone skydiving before. Is this a first?” (12:58)
  • Pom Klementieff: Shares the backstory of her skydiving journey, initiated as a gift from Tom Cruise: “When I wrapped the movie, I said to Tom... he gifted me skydiving lessons” (13:07)
  • Jimmy Fallon: Plays on the action, stating, “As Tom Cruise does that” (14:06)

• Rodeo Jump Experience:

  • Pom Klementieff: Explains the intricacies of a rodeo jump, a synchronized skydiving maneuver: “It can be tricky because you're behind the person who wears the wingsuit... If you hold on more, the person in the wingsuit can lose consciousness” (15:15)
  • Jimmy Fallon: Reacts with amazement, highlighting the thrill and danger involved: “What happens if you don't work out? You just let go of each other” (15:50)

• Stunt Work in "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning":

  • Pom Klementieff: Discusses her extensive stunt training under stunt coordinator Wade Stewart, earning the nickname “Palm Cruise” in homage to Tom Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts: “I always ask him, like, teach me everything... Palm Cruise” (17:16)
  • Emphasizes the teamwork and safety measures on set, as well as her character’s evolution to display vulnerability and caregiving attributes: “I got to develop this character and show a side that is more vulnerable” (18:04)

Jimmy Fallon lauds Pom’s adventurous spirit and commitment to performing her own stunts, encouraging viewers to watch Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in theaters and IMAX: “The movie is massive. It is so fun. Go see it in theaters” (17:30).

Conclusion: Closing Remarks

Timestamp: 18:04 - 17:03

Jimmy Fallon wraps up the episode by thanking his guests, Ana de Armas and Pom Klementieff, for their time and insights into their respective films and personal endeavors. He reminds listeners to watch the featured movies and stay tuned for more exciting episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Jimmy Fallon: “I'm like, yeah, thank You, Tom Fire Emoji. He's the best.” (17:00)
• Pom Klementieff: “He's the best.” (17:03)

Key Takeaways:

• Ana de Armas provides an in-depth look into her role in Ballerina, highlighting the rigorous training and her dynamic with Keanu Reeves, enriching the John Wick universe with emotional depth and fresh perspectives.

• Pom Klementieff shares her thrilling experiences with skydiving and stunt work, emphasizing her dedication to performing her own stunts in the Mission: Impossible series and her adventurous spirit, exemplified by her unique Vogue cover.

• Jimmy Fallon maintains his humorous take on current events, blending satire with engaging conversations, creating an entertaining and informative episode for listeners.

Stay Connected: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for the latest episodes weekday mornings, available wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the show weeknights on NBC and stream it on Peacock.