The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon - Episode Summary Episode Title: Trump Impulsively Plunges U.S. into War with Iran | Charlize Theron, Jensen Ackles
Release Date: June 24, 2025

1. Opening Monologue and Current Events

Jimmy Fallon kicked off the episode with his signature humor, addressing the historic heat wave sweeping across the United States.

Jimmy Fallon [00:05]: "From Studio 6P and Rocky Rollers Castle in the hardest words tonight for inspiring Gimme Valley. Hey, hey, hey, hey."

He humorously lamented the sweltering temperatures, making light of his discomfort in layers of Spanx beneath a suit.

Jimmy Fallon [00:27]: "The US is dealing with a historic heat wave right now. Are you feeling that today? Temperatures across the east coast nearing 100 degrees here."

Fallon transitioned to discussing President Trump's sudden military strike on Iran, termed "Operation Midnight Hammer." He poked fun at the operation's name and Trump's unconventional decision-making.

Jimmy Fallon [03:24]: "Operation Midnight Hammer? Yeah, it was named after Trump's favorite Stormy Daniels movie. Who doesn't?"

Fallon critiqued Trump's mixed messages, including his misunderstanding of the Strait of Hormuz, mistakenly thinking it's a type of chili.

Jimmy Fallon [04:16]: "Trump thinks Hormuz is a brand of chili. Yep. Closing the Strait would block a critical artery for oil and gas shipments around the world."

He highlighted the absurdity of Trump's public statements, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the administration's actions.

Jimmy Fallon [03:24]: "Trump has launched an attack on Iran, his own parade, and a cell phone in the same week. Isn't that wild?"

Additionally, Fallon touched upon the massive password leak affecting major tech platforms, reflecting concerns over cybersecurity.

2. "Battle of the Instant Songwriters" Segment

The show featured the engaging segment "Battle of the Instant Songwriters," where two audience members, Rebecca McCartney and Nigel Richards, competed by creating original songs based on provided titles.

Rebecca McCartney presented her song titled "Squid Game Barbecue,** inspired by the popular Netflix series and summer BBQs.

Rebecca [09:37]: "Summer in the city. Sweat was getting on my nerves through a barbecue and the high steaks were served."

Her performance was met with enthusiastic applause, showcasing her creative fusion of pop culture and summertime festivities.

Nigel Richards, on the other hand, delivered "Traded my LeBron for a Le Boo Boo,** blending sports memorabilia with whimsical fantasy elements.

Nigel [09:38]: "I traded my LeBron for a love boo Boo. Wait and see that A monster. And now I'm meant to BE."

Nigel’s inventive lyrics and catchy melody earned him the victory, along with prizes including an "I Love Music" sweatshirt, a Tonight Show notebook, and a $1,000 check.

Jimmy Fallon [21:02]: "Congratulations. You earned it."

Both contestants were lauded for their originality and performance, adding a fun and interactive element to the show.

3. Interview with Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning actress known for her role in "The Old Guard 2," shared insights into her personal life and upcoming projects.

Becoming a Mom to a Teenager

Theron opened up about the challenges of parenting teenagers, highlighting the rapid transition from childhood to adolescence.

Charlize Theron [16:02]: "It's like everything's starting. It's all happening."

She recounted humorous anecdotes about her daughter's evolving behavior and newfound independence.

Charlize Theron [16:21]: "You just turned into a monster. And no matter what I say, it's like, I call her."

Collaborating with Uma Thurman

Theron discussed her collaboration with Uma Thurman in "The Old Guard 2," praising Thurman's acting prowess and their dynamic on set.

Charlize Theron [21:33]: "She's absolutely lovely. And she's so good in the movies."

She detailed the creative process of developing the script and convincing Thurman to join the project, emphasizing mutual respect and dedication.

Charlize Theron [22:33]: "I don't want to sound creepy. I don't want to sound too fanny. How do I get her to take me seriously?"

Behind the Scenes with Martin Scorsese

Theron humorously recounted a memorable scene involving Martin Scorsese playing himself, showcasing his emotional depth and unexpected participation.

Charlize Theron [19:35]: "He's so sweet. I thought we were stuck up for him in this episode."

She shared the challenge of delivering her lines amidst Scorsese's intense acting, leading to a funny and heartfelt exchange.

Charlize Theron [21:02]: "I had somewhat of a lie, and it was mostly screaming while the corn monster was dragging me into the ground."

"The Old Guard 2" Insights

Theron provided a synopsis of "The Old Guard 2," explaining the evolution of her character and the overarching narrative.

Charlize Theron [22:59]: "In this film, we start at the pinnacle of joy with her team, fighting for the good of the world, and then we start dreaming about another immortal who might not be doing good things."

The film is set to stream on Netflix starting July 2nd, promising action-packed sequences and deeper character development.

Jimmy Fallon [23:04]: "That's how you're great at the action scenes. Are you so good at, like, used to it now after all these years?"

Charlize Theron's candid discussion offered fans a glimpse into her life off-screen and the exciting developments in her professional career.

4. Interview with Jensen Ackles

Jensen Ackles, renowned for his roles in "Supernatural" and "The Boys," joined Fallon to discuss his multifaceted career and upcoming projects.

Balancing Parenting and Career

Ackles shared insights into fatherhood, describing his daughter's growing understanding of his work in the entertainment industry.

Jensen Ackles [24:42]: "She does, but I think it's recent. I mean, she always knew that I went off and did things that she wasn't allowed to watch and."

He expressed enthusiasm about his daughter's anticipation for his new series, "Countdown."

Jensen Ackles [24:53]: "She's excited about it."

Reflecting on a 90s Modeling Career

A humorous segment revealed Ackles' unexpected stint as a child model in the 1990s, showcasing old J.C. Penney catalog photos.

Jimmy Fallon [25:26]: "Look at this guy. You're, like, being sassy. Like, what'd you say to me, old man?"

Ackles laughed off the photos, demonstrating his good-natured response to Fallon’s playful teasing.

Jensen Ackles [25:55]: "I wore that last weekend."

Discussing "The Boys" and "Supernatural"

Ackles delved into his work on "The Boys," highlighting the influence of Eric Kripke, creator of "Supernatural," on the new series.

Jensen Ackles [26:54]: "Eric Kripke... he's so sweet."

He hinted at potential crossovers, including a possible reunion with co-star Jared Padalecki, igniting excitement among fans.

Jimmy Fallon [27:24]: "It could happen any episode, but it could."

Ackles emphasized the enduring popularity of "Supernatural," noting its continuous growth through streaming platforms like Netflix.

Jensen Ackles [28:05]: "We do like these comic Cons. We do like these fan conventions, these fan appearances."

Introducing "Countdown"

Ackles introduced his new series, "Countdown," a thriller with action and humor, inspired by 80s and 90s action movies.

Jensen Ackles [30:01]: "Derek Hass wanted to take a little bit of that inspiration and make something today."

He described the creative process, blending nostalgic elements with modern storytelling to deliver an engaging viewing experience.

Jensen Ackles [30:46]: "I'm sore, Jimmy. I'm sore."

Acknowledging the physical demands of action scenes, Ackles shared amusing anecdotes about recording high-intensity moments.

Jensen Ackles [31:40]: "I could literally sit down and just go."

"Countdown" is slated to premiere on Prime Video on June 25th, promising a dynamic addition to Ackles' impressive portfolio.

Jimmy Fallon [32:02]: "Countdown. Countdown premieres June 25th on Prime Video."

5. Closing Remarks

As the episode concluded, Fallon thanked his guests and the audience, reminding listeners to subscribe for the latest episodes and tune in to NBC and Peacock for streaming options.

Jimmy Fallon [32:02]: "Watch the Tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon, weeknights on NBC and streaming on Peacock."

Key Takeaways:

• Political Satire: Fallon provided sharp commentary on President Trump's unforeseen military actions, blending humor with critique.

• Interactive Entertainment: The "Battle of the Instant Songwriters" segment showcased audience talent and creativity, engaging viewers in live entertainment.

• Celebrity Insights: In-depth interviews with Charlize Theron and Jensen Ackles offered personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes glimpses into upcoming projects, and reflections on their careers and personal lives.

• Upcoming Releases: Highlighted new series and movies, including "The Old Guard 2" and "Countdown," generating anticipation among fans.

This episode adeptly balanced humor, current events, and celebrity interviews, delivering a captivating and informative experience for listeners.