The Oscar-winning duo is back together on screen. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite for The Rip, Netflix’s explosive cop thriller premiering January 16, 2026. Directed by Joe Carnahan (The Grey, Narc), this 2-hour 13-minute action drama follows Miami cops who discover $20 million in cash—testing loyalty, morality, and trust. Here’s your complete guide to the powerhouse cast.
Table of Contents
The Rip: Essential Movie Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 16, 2026 (Netflix) |
| Runtime | 2 hours 13 minutes |
| Rating | R (Violence, Pervasive Language) |
| Genre | Action, Crime Thriller, Drama |
| Director | Joe Carnahan |
| Writers | Joe Carnahan, Michael McGrale |
| Producers | Matt Damon, Ben Affleck (Artists Equity) |
| Setting | Miami-Dade, Florida |
Main Cast & Characters Breakdown
Matt Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars
Academy Award winner Matt Damon leads as Lieutenant Dane Dumars, the commanding officer whose leadership faces its ultimate test. Damon explained to Netflix: “In Miami, you have to count the money on-site, so that everybody knows how much is there”—setting up the central conflict. With iconic roles in The Bourne franchise, Good Will Hunting, and the Ocean’s trilogy, Damon brings gravitas to this morally complex character navigating the impossible choice between duty and temptation.
Ben Affleck as Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne
Two-time Oscar winner Ben Affleck portrays Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne, Lieutenant Dumars’ partner whose conscience becomes the film’s moral compass. Affleck’s career spans acting (Gone Girl, The Accountant) and acclaimed directing (Argo, The Town). His reunion with Damon after Good Will Hunting promises the same electric chemistry, now filtered through a darker, more cynical lens as veteran cops confronting corruption.
Steven Yeun as Detective Mike Ro
The Walking Dead and Minari star Steven Yeun plays Detective Mike Ro, bringing his signature dramatic intensity to the Miami-Dade Tactical Narcotics Team. Yeun’s recent work in Beef (Emmy-winning) and Nope demonstrates his ability to portray characters under extreme psychological pressure—perfect for this pressure-cooker scenario.
Teyana Taylor as Detective Numa Baptiste
Multi-talented artist Teyana Taylor takes on Detective Numa Baptiste, adding a powerful female perspective to the testosterone-driven team. The Grammy-nominated musician (Escape Room album) and actress (A Thousand and One, which earned her the National Board of Review Award for Breakthrough Performance) continues her impressive transition into dramatic film roles.
Supporting Cast Powerhouses
Sasha Calle (The Flash) and Catalina Sandino Moreno (Oscar nominee for Maria Full of Grace) round out the Miami police team with compelling performances.
Scott Adkins, martial arts action star, brings his signature intensity to the escalating tension.
Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights, Bloodline) and Néstor Carbonell (The Morning Show) add veteran gravitas.
Lina Esco (S.W.A.T.) completes the ensemble, ensuring every character feels lived-in and authentic.
What Makes This Cast Special
According to Netflix’s official Tudum announcement, director Joe Carnahan assembled this cast specifically for their ability to convey moral ambiguity. The film explores what happens when good cops face temptation beyond imagination—a theme requiring actors capable of portraying internal conflict without dialogue.
The reunion of Damon and Affleck through their Artists Equity production company ensures creative control, allowing them to take risks with morally complex material. Explore more about Netflix action thrillers arriving in 2026.
FAQs
Q: When does The Rip release on Netflix?
A: The Rip premieres globally on Netflix on January 16, 2026, with a runtime of 2 hours 13 minutes.
Q: What are Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s characters in The Rip?
A: Matt Damon plays Lieutenant Dane Dumars and Ben Affleck plays Detective Sergeant J.D. Byrne, partners on Miami’s tactical narcotics team
