'We Have a Shared Trust and Love'

THE STARS OPEN UP ABOUT THEIR SPECIAL BOND, RAISING TEENS AND RETURNING TO BOSTON FOR THEIR NEW FILM THE INSTIGATORS

- JORDAN FEIN

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck are having a full- circle moment as they sit down to discuss their new movie The Instigators in Boston, where they filmed it. The childhood friends first worked together in the Boston-set 1997 hit Good Will Hunting, alongside Damon’s pal and Casey’s big brother Ben Affleck. Now they’re reuniting in the comedy about two robbers who go on the run with their therapist after a heist goes wrong.

While their lives have changed—Damon, 53, is now dad to four daughters with wife Luciana, while Affleck, 49, is a father of two sons with ex-wife Summer Phoenix—their friendship has remained intact. “We have this 43-year shared history. We grew up together,” says Damon, who adds that their bond helps when they’re working together. “We don’t waste any time on diplomacy. It’s really nice when you find people who are comfortable enough with being blunt, but kind.” The two talk about early success, navigating fatherhood and why they’ll always consider Boston home.

How did you team up again for this movie?

MATT DAMON I became aware of it when you sent it to Lucy [Damon’s wife, who is a co-executive producer on the film], and she told me I had to read it.