Nearly three decades after their breakthrough success with Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are reuniting on screen in the highly anticipated crime thriller The Rip. This latest collaboration adds a compelling new chapter to their enduring friendship, which began back in elementary school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where they first bonded as neighbors and lifelong friends.
Directed by Joe Carnahan, known for his gripping work on Narc and Smokin’ Aces, The Rip boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Steven Yeun, Kyle Chandler, Teyana Taylor, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Sasha Calle. The film is produced by Artists Equity, the artist-led studio co-founded by Damon and Affleck in 2022, which aims to bring fresh perspectives to the film industry.
Set in Miami, The Rip follows a team of police officers who stumble upon millions of dollars in cash inside an abandoned stash house. As word spreads, the crew’s trust begins to unravel under pressure from both internal and external threats. Director Carnahan explained, “The title ‘The Rip’ comes from Miami cop slang for ‘taking the bad guy’s stuff,’ known as ripping it.” This authentic touch grounds the movie in gritty realism while exploring themes of loyalty and betrayal.
Carnahan praised his collaboration with Damon and Affleck, saying, “Working with two distinctly talented filmmakers who also serve as creative allies and studio heads was the best of both worlds.” He added that the duo offered steadfast support, making the production process smooth and creatively fulfilling.
Despite their legendary status—cemented by their Oscar-winning screenplay for Good Will Hunting—Damon and Affleck have appeared together on screen only sparingly. Their reunion in The Rip is therefore a significant event for fans of their work. At the recent Netflix Tudum 2025 live event, Affleck joked about Damon’s beard, quipping, “I trusted Matt would shave the beard before Tudum — and here we are.” Damon is currently sporting the beard for his role as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming movie, The Odyssey.
Describing The Rip, Affleck called it “a really fun, engaging ride that keeps you guessing,” promising a taut crime thriller infused with complex moral dilemmas. The film’s tone evokes classics like Heat and Narc, blending intense action with deep human drama, making it a must-watch for fans of crime thriller narratives.
The Rip will debut globally on Netflix on January 16, 2026, positioning itself as one of the year’s standout entries in the crime movie genre.
