Damon discussed his creative debates with the Affleck siblings, highlighting their close working relationship.
On July 31, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck mesmerized the crowd at Jazz at Lincoln Center with the New York premiere of The Instigators.
Damon, 53, told PEOPLE about his 25-year cooperation with the Affleck brothers, which began when he co-wrote Good Will Hunting with Ben Affleck. Despite their extensive collaboration, Damon adds that their professional connections have “no surprises”.
“We get in creative arguments,” Damon admitted. “Those are healthy, and we know each other well enough that our feelings don’t really get involved and our egos don’t get involved.” He insisted that their contacts stay cheerful and constructive.
Damon and Affleck filmed The Instigators in their hometown of Boston in 2023. The project almost failed until Casey Affleck enlisted Damon’s wife, Luciana Barroso, to persuade him to read the script.
Barroso, who also produced the picture, played an important part in its development. Said Damon: “When they say something, when they dig their heels in on something — any of them do — I pay attention.”
The film, directed by Doug Liman and written by Casey Affleck and Chuck Maclean, stars Damon and Affleck as a father and ex-con who attempt to rob a corrupt politician.
The cast also features Hong Chau, Jack Harlow, Ron Perlman, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Alfred Molina.
In an interview with ExtraTV, Casey Affleck claimed that Barroso’s influence was essential in enlisting Damon, who added, “I just love the world and the characters.”
The Instigators opens in theaters on August 2 and will be accessible on Apple TV+ starting August 9.