Matt Damon and Ben Affleck recently opened up about their enduring friendship and collaboration in Hollywood during a new interview ahead of their forthcoming film, The Rip. The duo, who grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, first captured the world’s attention when they co-wrote and starred in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, which won them an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
As they promote their latest crime thriller, set to start streaming on Netflix on January 16, Damon and Affleck participated in a light-hearted conversation where they discussed what has made their friendship last over four decades. Affleck humorously remarked, “When I approach making a friendship last, what I—” and proceeded to recall their mutual fascination with movies and acting from a young age, which created a strong bond between them. Damon added, “It’s kind of a weird thing in retrospect, because we came from a city where that wasn’t a thing.”
The actors reflected on how their shared interests made their long friendship more manageable. Affleck noted, “The shared interest, like finding the job you like to do and then doing that with your friends, it’s really a nice thing, because you spend so much time at work.” Damon and Affleck both acknowledged that their friendship was not built on rivalry, a sentiment Affleck emphasized when he said, “I think we’re lucky to not have a friendship that’s really rooted in rivalry.”
Over the years, the two have evolved into highly sought-after actors in the industry. Their collaboration has blossomed recently, with projects like The Last Duel and Air, as well as ventures produced through their company, Artists Equity.
Damon and Affleck’s bond, cultivated in childhood and centered around mutual passion and support, serves as a heartening example of friendship that thrives in both personal and professional realms. With their new thriller, The Rip, they continue to showcase their dynamic partnership, inviting audiences to witness the fruits of their lasting camaraderie.