Introduction
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, longtime collaborators and best friends, are once again teaming up for an exciting new project. Their latest venture is the Netflix crime thriller The Rip, a film that has quickly become one of the most anticipated releases slated for late 2025. Fans of the duo will be eager to see this reunion that promises the intense drama and classic cop thriller vibes they are known for.
Overview of The Rip
The Rip is a crime thriller co-written and directed by Joe Carnahan, known for his work on Smoking Aces. The screenplay is penned by Michael McGrale, famed for The Following. Producing duties are handled by Dani Bernfeld, who worked on Ford v Ferrari, along with Falco Pictures. The project is developed under Artists Equity, the actor-led studio founded by Damon and Affleck themselves.
This film follows the footsteps of their previous Artists Equity project Animals, currently with updates to be watched closely by fans. Director Carnahan has described The Rip as inspired by ‘70s cop thrillers such as Serpico, Prince of the City, and Heat, blending gritty storytelling with sharp character dynamics.
Release Date and Availability
The movie was initially expected to release in the fall of 2025, but Netflix has now updated the official release date to January 16, 2026. The announcement came during Netflix Upfronts 2025, where some teasers and promotional materials were previewed. While there is no official trailer yet, The Rip was featured in Netflix’s TUDUM 2025 with a fun Cookie Monster featurette, adding a unique glimpse into the project.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Meet Cookie Monster | TUDUM | Netflix
Plot Summary
The Rip centers around a gripping mystery: the unsolved murder of a Miami police captain has gone six weeks without resolution. The story follows Miami’s Tactical Narcotics Team as they grapple with frustration against bureaucratic hurdles that delay justice. The discovery of a massive cartel stash filled with millions in cash inside a derelict stashhouse escalates tensions.
The narrative explores themes of trust, loyalty, and deep internal conflict within the team, as outside forces begin closing in. The film promises a character-driven, gritty experience reminiscent of the classic thrillers that inspired it.
Cast Details
Leading the cast are Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, marking their 11th film together. Their history includes memorable titles such as Good Will Hunting, Jay and Silent Bob, Dogma, and most recently Air (2023). Joining them are a strong supporting cast announced throughout late 2024, including:
- Sasha Calle (The Flash)
- Teyana Taylor (A Thousand and One)
- Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace)
- Scott Adkins (John Wick: Chapter 4)
- Nestor Carbonell (The Morning Show)
- Lina Esco (S.W.A.T.) as Captain Jackie Velez
- Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead, BEEF)
- Kyle Chandler (Bloodline)
- Shawn Michael (And Just Like That…)
- Chris Silvestri (The Electric State)
Production Status and Filming Details
Filming began on October 2, 2024 and is scheduled to wrap by December 11, 2024. The main locations for shooting are Los Angeles and Long Beach. Several cast members have confirmed their segments of filming via social media, giving fans exciting updates and sneak peeks.
Behind-the-scenes photos highlight Ben Affleck’s physical preparation and commanding on-set presence, while Teyana Taylor has shared experiences about filming and costume details. Joe Carnahan’s directorial style is visible throughout the production.
Behind the Scenes and Creative Insights
Director Joe Carnahan shares a personal connection to the story, inspired by a friend’s real-life experience, lending authenticity to the film’s character-driven narrative. His vision pays homage to classic cop thrillers that emphasize strong storytelling and complex characters.
Damon and Affleck maintain a production philosophy centered on creating movies they themselves would want to watch. Their casting dynamic is notable, with Affleck often portraying more flamboyant roles that contrast Damon’s understated performances. The actors have also commented on how their on-screen chemistry continues to evolve with each collaboration.
Anticipation and Viewer Engagement
Public and fan excitement for The Rip is building as the release date approaches. Fans are invited to share their thoughts and expectations in the comments below, engaging with fellow enthusiasts to discuss everything from the cast to the plot promises.
Additional Resources and Links
Stay tuned to Netflix TUDUM 2025 coverage for further updates and exclusive first looks. Fans can also keep an eye out for preview images and feature references published in GQ and related articles on previous Artists Equity projects like Animals.
Ready to dive into this gritty new thriller? Stream The Rip on Netflix starting January 16, 2026, and don’t forget to comment your thoughts and explore more exclusive content here on Keeperfact!
