Matt Damon has been friends with Ben and Casey Affleck since childhood, so it’s no surprise that he often seizes the opportunity to collaborate with them when he can. In their latest project, The Instigators, Damon teams up with Casey for a buddy action comedy.
Although Ben doesn’t appear on screen this time, he took on a producer role for the Apple Original film. Damon shared that working with the Affleck brothers, whom he considers family, is made easier by the fact that they all put their “egos” aside.
“They’re incredibly talented at what they do,” Damon said, reflecting on his long history of working with both brothers in various capacities—writing, producing, and acting together. Having been directed by Ben as well, Damon described their deep-rooted friendship of 45 years as the foundation of mutual respect.
This strong bond, Damon explained, simplifies the work process. Despite the chaos that can arise while shooting a movie, he noted that their relationship remains steady. The trust built over decades allows them to focus on the task at hand, even during the stressful moments of film production, which can often feel like “lighting money on fire.”
Damon emphasized the value of being straightforward on set.
“There’s no need for diplomacy,” he said, explaining that their openness helps them solve problems faster. “We can be blunt with each other because egos aren’t part of the equation. If one of us rejects an idea, it’s not personal. It’s just about moving forward and finding creative solutions faster.”
In The Instigators, Damon and Casey play unlikely partners who team up to rob a corrupt politician. Casey co-wrote the script and knew right away that Damon was the perfect fit for the role. He noted that while he loves working with his brother, casting Damon was a no-brainer.
“Matt is one of the best actors out there,” Casey said. “People love to watch him, and when you’re in a movie with Matt, it tends to draw an audience. I’ve done plenty of films that haven’t gotten much attention, so it’s great to be in one that people will actually see.”
Despite his success, including an Oscar win and the opportunity to make films on his own terms—this one filmed in their hometown of Boston—Casey admitted that he still faces challenges in his career.
“While it’s nice to be seen as successful, I still deal with setbacks,” he said. “There are directors I’ve always admired, like the Coen brothers, who have never approached me for a project. There are things I want to do, but don’t always get the chance.”
Nonetheless, Casey acknowledged how fortunate he is to have the career he does. He emphasized how, like Damon, he now prioritizes working with people he knows and loves, valuing the shared experiences and connections over the years.
The Instigators will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting August 9.