Ben Affleck Playfully Defends Shirtless Scene in The Rip

Ben Affleck recently responded with humor to criticism regarding his shirtless scene in the upcoming film The Rip, which stars his longtime friend, Matt Damon. During an interview on January 15, 2024, with The Fox 101.9 radio show, Affleck defended his decision to appear shirtless, addressing comments made by former Australian Rules football player and radio host, Brendan Fevola.

Fevola jokingly remarked on Affleck’s shirtless moment, questioning its necessity and praising the actor’s physique. Affleck responded, “There was a reason! I want people to see it. I don’t go to the gym for nothing.” He added, “I’m middle-aged, I’ll take all the…you know. It’s going away. I want it memorialized before it’s gone.”

Damon chimed in with his own light-hearted take, suggesting that Affleck’s decision was influenced by “actor vanity.” Later, during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Damon continued to tease Affleck, commenting on how much effort went into the lighting for his shirtless scene. “Boy, did they tweak the lighting for a long time on that bathroom, just shadows, just getting everything just perfect for him,” he joked.

Despite the playful banter, Affleck insisted that the shirtless moment carried significance for his character’s development. “I think it was important to see the character change,” he quipped. “I think that’s what made the part dramatically interesting.”

As they discussed their preparation for their respective roles, Affleck noted that he did not follow Damon’s gluten-free diet regimen used for his upcoming film, The Odyssey. “To be honest, I can’t do the gluten-free thing. I feel like the one thing I can’t live without is bread,” Affleck stated, showcasing his preference for a more traditional diet.

The friendship between Affleck and Damon, which has spanned decades, remains a focal point of their interactions. At the premiere of The Rip on January 13, 2024, in New York City, Affleck expressed his admiration for Damon. “Honestly, I am continually reminded of what a good father he is and what a fabulous actor he is,” he remarked.

Their bond is evident as they continue to navigate their careers together, with Affleck reflecting on the fortune of collaborating with someone he cares about deeply. “You’re really lucky if you can do this for a living, and you’re exceptionally lucky if you can do it with people you love and care about,” he said.

As anticipation builds for The Rip, which showcases both actors in key roles, fans can expect a blend of humor and drama, as evidenced by their light-hearted exchanges. Their ability to joke about their work while maintaining a deep friendship adds a unique layer to their on-screen chemistry.