‘Netflix wants to push action set pieces toward front of runtime’: Matt Damon on making of ‘The Rip’

WASHINGTON: Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who were recently seen in the Netflix film ‘The Rip’, shared their thoughts on how the streaming platform is changing the way action movies are filmed, Variety reported. The actor duo recently appeared on the ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ to promote their new Netflix film ‘The Rip’.

According to the outlet, during the podcast, Damon pointed out that because viewers give a “very different level of attention” to a movie at home versus in a theatre, Netflix wants to push the action set pieces toward the front of the runtime. He also said there are behind-the-scenes discussions about reiterating “the plot three or four times in the dialogue” to account for people being on their phones.

“The standard way to make an action movie that we learned was, you usually have three set pieces. One in the first act, one in the second, one in the third,” Damon explained.

.@BenAffleck & Matt Damon share what they’ve done with their company, Artists Equity, for the 1,200 crew members involved in their new film The Rip. #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/gOGKDjyTl8

— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) January 14, 2026

“You spend most of your money on that one in the third act. That’s your finale. And now they’re like, ‘Can we get a big one in the first five minutes? We want people to stay. And it wouldn’t be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones while they’re watching,'” added Damon as quoted by Variety.

Affleck then cut in, adding that the streamer formula for successful content isn’t the only way. He used Netflix’s recent limited series hit “Adolescence” as a shining example.

“But then you look at ‘Adolescence,’ and it didn’t do any of that, and it’s great. And it’s dark too. It’s tragic and intense. [It’s about] this guy who finds out his kid is accused of murder. There are long shots of the back of their heads. They get in the car, nobody says anything,” added Ben Affleck as quoted by Variety.

Meanwhile, according to Variety, actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have worked with Netflix on a special agreement that could give ‘bonuses’ to all cast and crew members if the film performs well on the platform.

The move is being seen as a big step, as streaming films usually pay workers a fixed amount and do not offer extra money even if a film becomes a hit. With The Rip, that system might just change.

The Rip follows the story of two Miami cops who find hidden money. The new pay model is being closely watched, as it could influence how streaming platforms treat film workers in the future. (ANI)