‘Way More Agreeable’: Matt Damon’s Wife Convinced Him To Take Up The Instigators Role, Costar Casey Affleck Reveals

As a seasoned movie enthusiast with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that the dynamic between Casey Affleck and Matt Damon never fails to intrigue me. In the latest instance, it’s their unconventional approach to persuading Damon for a role in The Instigators that has caught my attention.


Casey Affleck orchestrated a humorous scenario that eventually convinced Matt Damon to star in the upcoming Apple TV+ film, The Instigators. In an interview on ExtraTV on July 29, Affleck shared some behind-the-scenes details, including how he enlisted the help of Damon’s wife, Luciana Barroso, to influence Damon’s character portrayal.

Who is Luciana Barroso?

As a lifestyle expert, I might rephrase it like this: In an open conversation, Affleck, aged 48, confessed that he had approached Luciana Barroso, wife of my friend Matt Damon, to persuade him on certain matters. “I went through Luciana,” Affleck admitted, expressing his admiration for her amiable nature and impeccable taste, which he felt surpassed that of Matt. Later, Damon, 53, verified the statement, simply saying, “Yes, it’s true.”

Affleck sent the script to Damon but didn’t receive a response for several weeks. So he contacted Barroso instead. “I got in touch with Lucy and she said, ‘I’ve read it. It’s excellent. I think Matt should take on the role.’ I asked, ‘How can we make this happen?’ She replied, ‘I’ll help convince him,’ and that was all there was to it,” Affleck explained.

For close to twenty years, Damon and Barroso have been a married pair. Together they share three daughters: Isabella (who is 18 years old), Stella (at 13) and Gia (aged 15). Furthermore, through marriage, Damon has taken on the role of stepfather to Alexia, who is 25 years old, Barroso’s own child.

The reason behind taking the role

Damon explained what attracted him to the part, stating, “I’m simply captivated by the universe and the characters.” Following this discussion with Affleck, he also mentioned his concept, which was shared with Doug Liman, the director of this endeavor.

Speaking as a passionate admirer, I can’t help but express that our intention was to craft a film that was brimming with fun and pace, never lingering too long. It was almost magical, this blend of elements, and it was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to let slip away.

What is expected from the heist comedy?

The story revolves around a man named Rory, who along with an ex-convict known as Cobby, conspire to carry out a robbery for a corrupt politician. While evading the pursuit of law enforcement officers, their escape vehicle collides with another one carrying bureaucrats and crime lords when they are in a secret location.

They’ve consulted Rory’s therapist, portrayed by Hong Chau, for assistance. This upcoming heist comedy, a collaborative effort between Chuck MacLean and Affleck, also features Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser, Alfred Molina, and Ron Perlman. The film, titled “The Instigators,” hits theaters on August 2nd and will be available on Apple TV+ from August 9.

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2024-07-31 18:24