Matt Damon Talks Press Scrutiny: ‘We’ve Had Parallel Careers, but I’m Grateful Not to Experience the Same Media Pressure as Ben Affleck’

On the “Radio Times Podcast” (via People), Matt Damon expressed how he finds it difficult to fathom the intense media scrutiny that his friend and frequent collaborator, Ben Affleck, has endured.

Damon reflected on how their careers have run in tandem, with both rising to fame after their joint success with “Good Will Hunting” and later becoming major players in franchises and studio films.

“I’ve been really fortunate in this regard,” Damon shared. “When I look at Ben’s experience, it’s hard to imagine dealing with such relentless scrutiny. For the past 25 years, while we’ve shared similar career trajectories, I’ve managed to avoid that level of press attention.”

Despite their similar professional paths, their personal lives have diverged. Damon attributes the relative calmness of his own life to his “boring” marriage to Luciana Barroso, contrasting it with Affleck’s high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez, which continues to attract media attention.

“Twenty-five years ago, that tabloid culture was far more interested in scandalous stories,” Damon noted. “Being a married guy with a relatively unremarkable personal life didn’t draw much attention. They focused on sensationalism, so I largely stayed out of the limelight.”

Damon also mentioned that fame felt “bizarre and disorienting” to him, prompting him to retreat and regain his balance. He credits his relationship with someone outside the industry as crucial in helping him manage the pressures of fame.

Affleck, for his part, revealed to Entertainment Weekly in 2022 how Damon played a pivotal role in helping him reassess his career after his difficult experience with “Justice League.” Affleck admitted that Damon’s influence was serious in his decision to pursue projects that brought him joy, such as “Last Duel,” which provided a fulfilling experience despite not being the leading role.

The pair’s recent collaboration includes “Air,” released last year, and they have several upcoming projects together, including “RIP,” a Netflix thriller directed by Joe Carnahan, and a film about Hulk Hogan’s legal battle with Gawker, with Gus Van Sant set to direct, reuniting them with the filmmaker of “Good Will Hunting.”