Damon, Affleck celebrate action comedy ‘The Instigators’ opening

NEW YORK: Boston area natives Matt Damon and Casey Affleck returned to their old stomping grounds for the new film “The Instigators.”

“People have caught on to the kind of sarcasm and the sensibility and that, you know, of Boston… we set out to just make a really fun, funny movie that showcased the best parts of that city,” said Damon.

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The childhood friends attended the premiere for the Apple TV + movie in New York on Wednesday (July 31).

Affleck and Damon co-star as unlikely collaborators in a daring robbery scheme. Rory (portrayed by Matt Damon), is a desperate father, and Cobby (played by Casey Affleck), is an ex-convict.

The story, co-written by Affleck follows the pair as they attempt to steal the illicit spoils of a morally bankrupt politician. However, when plans go array, they find themselves pursued not only by the law, but also by ruthless bureaucrats and revenge-seeking criminals.

The pair finds an unexpected ally in Rory’s therapist played by actor Hong Chau as she becomes a major part of their escape that’s played out on Boston’s city streets.

Chau said Damon and Affleck’s chemistry was undeniable.

“They’ve known each other since they were kids. And there’s just a lot of brotherly ribbing going on. And, you know, that helps keep the energy and the spirits up,” said Chau.

Affleck said the impetus for doing the film was his desire to be in a comedy.

“No one was really willing to give me a comedy. I – probably I’d never been that funny before. So, they were like, no, it wasn’t like I wasn’t the first stop,” said Affleck.

After two years and many rewrites Affleck said a collaborative effort helped get the film made, which director Doug Liman called a true action comedy film.

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“From day one, you know, I really wanted to define it as a comedy. And, you know, because Matt Damon and I go back to ‘Bourne Identity’ and people like, oh, are they doing like another Bourne? It’s like, no, this is, this is us doing something, you know, like equally fun, if not more fun, but, but in a very different lane,” he explained.

The film will debut in select theaters on August 2 and begin streaming global on Apple TV + on August 9.