The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – Episode Summary Episode: "Trump Unveils Costly Golden Dome Defense Plan | Jessica Biel, Simon Pegg, Isabela Merced" | Air Date: May 21, 2025

Opening Monologue

Jimmy Fallon kicked off the episode with his characteristic humor, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere in New York City. He mentioned upcoming events like Fleet Week and a high-stakes Knicks playoff game against the Pacers at Madison Square Garden.

"Tomorrow is the start of Fleet Week and there's a Knicks playoff game at Madison Square Garden. And thank God it's Fleet Week because if the Knicks win, we'll need all the military help we can get." ([00:57])

Fallon humorously predicted post-game chaos, suggesting that Knicks fans might "try to flip over a tank" after a potential victory. He also shared a playful promo he came across, featuring celebrities from both cities competing in the basketball series.

Sports and Pop Culture Highlights

The show transitioned into lighter segments, including a creative promo for the Knicks vs. Pacers series, showcasing stars like Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and Bad Bunny representing NYC, and Indianapolis personalities like Mike Pence and local meteorologists supporting the Pacers.

Political and Business News

Fallon shifted gears to current events, touching upon President Trump's announcement of a "golden dome anti-missile shield" aimed at protecting the U.S. from high-tech threats.

"Today, President Trump announced that the speaker will build a golden dome anti missile shield to protect the US from high tech threats." ([02:23])

He also discussed the impact of ongoing trade wars, noting a surge in Americans opting for at-home beauty treatments over salon visits due to tariff anxieties.

"Americans who are anxious about tariffs are skipping the salon and opting for at home beauty treatments." ([02:23])

In a humorous take on business news, Fallon joked about Levi's selling the Dockers brand for nearly $400 million, playfully suggesting Mitt Romney as a potential buyer.

"I mean, pretty much leaves Mitt Romney, doesn't it?" ([03:31])

Additionally, he shared an amusing IKEA promo reel, poking fun at the minor chaos that often accompanies their store setups.

"Why do we have seven extra support beams? Okay, nobody panic." ([03:31])

Personal News

Fallon briefly mentioned Bill Belichick's girlfriend, Jordan Hudson, and their rumored engagement, making light of Belichick's famous Superstitious rituals.

Guest Segment: Jessica Biel

Jessica Biel was the first guest of the night, promoting her Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated role in the new series "The Better Sister," premiering on Prime Video.

Family Life

The conversation delved into Biel's family, with Fallon expressing admiration for her children.

"Silas is just 10. And Finny's five in July." ([05:10])

Biel humorously recounted her experience with her son Finn cutting his hair after persistent requests, likening it to a form of therapy.

"Now it's therapy. So I said, all right, let's go. And we just chopped it and it's gone." ([05:35])

Career Highlights

They discussed her latest projects, including a collaboration with John Cena, earning her "cool mom points."

"He's a lovable dude and they are just crazy about him." ([07:07])

Biel highlighted "The Better Sister," describing it as a drama filled with family turmoil, tragedy, and hidden depths behind a seemingly perfect life.

"So Better Sister is about basically, these two estranged sisters and this, like, tragedy happens in their lives, and they have to come back together." ([09:24])

Guest Segment: Simon Pegg

Simon Pegg joined next to promote his role in the blockbuster "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning." Their conversation was both entertaining and insightful, offering fans a glimpse behind the scenes.

Mission Impossible Insights

Pegg shared anecdotes from his 20-year journey with the franchise, including memorable interactions with Tom Cruise.

"And then he said to my wife and my daughter, hey, you want to come for a spin around London? And they were like, no, no, no, we're good." ([15:37])

He humorously detailed his evolving role from a "little tubby" character to the suave Benji Dunn, thanks to Cruise's encouragement.

"Tom christened me... Eight pack Peggles." ([14:34])

Stunt Experiences

Pegg recounted performing his own stunts, including a helicopter landing in his backyard, emphasizing Cruise's dedication to authenticity.

"And the chopper landed and we all greeted him. Hello, boss." ([15:07])

He also described the iconic face mask reveal scenes in the franchise, highlighting their meticulous execution.

"It's like, this is Mission Impossible." ([16:15])

Guest Segment: Isabella Merced

Isabella Merced was the final guest, discussing her roles in "The Last of Us" and the new "Superman" movie where she portrays Hawkgirl. Her segment provided a blend of professional insights and personal experiences.

Balancing Multiple Projects

Merced spoke about juggling her commitments to both high-profile projects, likening it to "dating two people at once."

"I was actually filming the Last of Us and Superman at the same time. So it felt like I was dating two people at once." ([19:17])

Physical Preparation and Filming

She detailed the rigorous training regimen for her roles, including combat training and creating a secret sign language with co-star Bella Ramsey for on-set communication.

"We would do a lot of, like, arms combat training and then some horse riding." ([22:34])

Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Merced shared heartfelt moments from filming, such as encountering family members in the crowd during shoots, grounding her experience amidst the grandeur of her roles.

"It made me feel really present and grounded and, like, kind of encapsulated what it was like to come so far." ([20:50])

Anticipation for "The Last of Us" Finale

She hinted at the season two finale, suggesting viewers might want to rewatch the series to fully grasp the intricate plot developments.

"You're gonna want to rewatch it." ([23:50])

Closing Remarks

Jimmy Fallon wrapped up the show by thanking his guests—Jessica Biel, Simon Pegg, and Isabella Merced—and the musical guests, The Roots from Philadelphia. He encouraged listeners to subscribe for the latest episodes and watch the Tonight Show on NBC and Peacock.

This episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon masterfully blended humor, celebrity interviews, and topical discussions, providing viewers with both entertainment and insightful conversations with some of Hollywood's most talented stars.