The Rip: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Return in Gripping Crime Thriller
Introduction: A New Chapter in a Legendary Partnership
The Rip is scheduled to be released by Netflix on January 16, 2026, marking another collaboration between Hollywood’s most enduring friendship. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been friends since they were in elementary school, and now they’re bringing that friendship to Netflix. The duo are reteaming for new crime thriller The Rip, from writer-director Joe Carnahan. This release is particularly significant as it represents a bold new direction in how streaming platforms compensate talent, with Netflix agreeing to pay a one-time bonus to the 1,200 people who worked on the film if the movie meets certain performance benchmarks within its first 90 days.
The Story Behind The Rip
Trust frays when a team of Miami cops discovers millions in cash inside a run-down stash house, calling everyone — and everything — into question. The Rip follows Damon and Affleck as Miami cop partners who find themselves in a sticky situation after their team finds $24 million stashed away in a safehouse. Required by law to count the money before leaving the scene, the cops and their team must survive the night — and each other. The title for The Rip is simply Miami cop parlance for ‘taking the bad guy’s stuff,’ which is known as ‘ripping’ it. In the event of a seizure of cash or drugs or weapons, the confiscation itself is known as the ‘rip’.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team
The film stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, Kyle Chandler, Néstor Carbonell, and Lina Esco. The film is written and directed by Joe Carnahan, who also developed the story with Michael McGrale. Principal photography began on October 3, 2024, in Los Angeles, and was expected to wrap on December 11, with the production now complete and ready for its global premiere.
Breaking New Ground in Streaming Compensation
Beyond its compelling narrative, The Rip represents a significant shift in the streaming industry’s business model. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon brokered a deal with Netflix to adopt their Artists Equity performance-based bonus structure for the 1,200 crew members working on their film “The Rip,” breaking precedent from the streamer’s standard compensation model. The deal, made via the duo’s production banner Artists Equity, will provide eligible bonuses to everyone involved in the production if the film meets performance expectations. This groundbreaking approach demonstrates the actors’ commitment to creating fairer industry practices.
Conclusion: Why The Rip Matters
The Rip arrives at a crucial moment for both streaming entertainment and industry labour practices. The film is inspired by true events, making the story even more gripping. With its talented ensemble cast, proven creative team, and innovative compensation structure, The Rip promises to be more than just another crime thriller—it represents a potential blueprint for how streaming platforms can support entire production teams. Whether you’re drawn to the Damon-Affleck chemistry, the tense Miami cop drama, or the broader implications for film industry workers, The Rip is positioned to be one of the most discussed releases of early 2026.