Ben Affleck has been having some light-hearted banter with his longtime friend, Matt Damon, over the recent shirtless photos of Damon on the set of their new movie, ‘The Odyssey’. During an appearance on the Today show to promote his upcoming film ‘The Accountant 2’ with co-star Jon Bernthal, Affleck took the opportunity to playfully tease Damon about his muscular transformation for the new movie directed by Christopher Nolan. Affleck, 52, jokingly remarked that it was the “first time he got in shape in his life.” The friendly ribbing continued as the program displayed a side-by-side image of Damon, 54, shirtless on ‘The Odyssey’ set next to Bernthal, 48, clad in a sweatshirt on the set of ‘The Accountant 2’.
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Affleck humorously commented on Damon’s propensity for flaunting his physique, stating, “Matt, soon as the first time he got in shape in his life, whipped his shirt off. He was like, ‘Who can I show this off to?!’ I was like, ‘You wanna just hold back a little?’” Affleck, known for his witty sense of humour, couldn’t resist poking fun at Damon’s action star makeover for ‘The Odyssey’. The duo, who share a close friendship and a long history of collaboration in the entertainment industry, founded Artists Equity together. The playful banter continued at ‘The Accountant 2’s’ premiere in Los Angeles, where Access showed Affleck images of Damon on set, prompting Affleck to joke about Damon flexing his muscles for the camera.
Acknowledging Damon’s dedication to his physical transformation, Affleck gave his friend credit, stating, “As you get on in life, it’s less and less easy to do this, as I can tell you, and he is getting it done.” The good-natured teasing showcased the camaraderie between the two actors, who have shared screen time in previous projects and are set to reunite in the upcoming Netflix thriller, ‘RIP’. While Affleck is returning to the action genre with ‘The Accountant 2’ after a hiatus, Damon has undergone a transformation to portray the legendary Greek hero Odysseus in ‘The Odyssey’. Damon, known for his versatility as an actor, has previously tackled action-packed roles such as Jason Bourne in the Bourne series.
Damon’s journey to embody Odysseus required intensive physical training and commitment to the role, a feat that Affleck couldn’t help but admire. Despite Affleck jokingly expressing faux jealousy over Damon stealing the spotlight with his newfound physique, he ultimately voiced his admiration for Damon’s dedication. The dynamic between Affleck and Damon extends beyond their on-screen collaborations, reflecting a genuine friendship that includes unwavering support and good-humoured teasing. As ‘The Accountant 2’ hits theatres on April 25, audiences can look forward to witnessing Affleck’s return to the action genre, while Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus in ‘The Odyssey’ is set to premiere on July 17, 2026, offering fans a glimpse into his transformative role.
In the world of Hollywood, where press tours and red carpet events often take centre stage, the playful exchanges between Affleck and Damon serve as a reminder of the bonds formed amidst the glamour of the entertainment industry. Their shared history, both on and off-screen, is a testament to the enduring nature of their friendship, which continues to evolve and thrive as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of show business. The light-hearted teasing between Affleck and Damon not only entertains fans but also highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect between two talented actors who have made their mark in Hollywood.