Doug Liman’s The Instigators Features Matt Damon as a Reluctant Criminal

Doug Liman’s 2024 is shaping up to be a whirlwind of cinematic activity. Fresh off the heels of his Jake Gyllenhaal-led Road House remake, which he was displeased about debuting exclusively on Prime Video, Liman is back with another project.

This time, he’s steering the ship for Apple TV+’s The Instigators, a crime comedy set in Boston starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck as reluctant partners in a heist scheme against a corrupt politician.

In The Instigators, Damon fully embraces his Boston roots with a robust ensemble including Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Ving Rhames, Alfred Molina, and Ron Perlman.

Liman promises his trademark blend of muscular action sequences, ensuring a promising summer streaming spectacle. Apple TV+, known for upcoming star-studded projects like Wolfs featuring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, is clearly doubling down on high-profile action-comedies.

The film is a collaborative effort among Boston natives, with Casey Affleck co-writing alongside Chuck Maclean, and Ben Affleck producing alongside Damon’s longtime friend and collaborator. Here’s the official synopsis: “Rory (Matt Damon) and Cobby (Casey Affleck) reluctantly team up—a desperate father and an ex-con—to steal ill-gotten gains from a corrupt politician.

But when their heist goes awry, chaos ensues as they evade police, bureaucrats, and crime bosses. With Rory’s therapist (Hong Chau) reluctantly joining their frenzied escape, they must overcome their differences to avoid capture—or worse.”

Audiences can catch The Instigators on Apple TV+ starting August 9, where its success will determine if Liman finds satisfaction in streaming success once again.