Brief
Casey Affleck Discusses Matt Damon, Nolan and Hollywood Outsider Status at Zurich Film Festival
During a masterclass before the Swiss film festival premiere of his film Company, Affleck reflected on his career, his rivalry with Damon and his preference for staying outside Hollywood’s mainstream.
By Felo News Desk · Published
At the Zurich Film Festival on Monday, Casey Affleck delivered a candid masterclass ahead of the Swiss premiere of his third directorial feature, Company. The Boston‑born actor‑director discussed his rise to international fame, his long‑standing friendship with Matt Damon, and his decision to embrace the label of a Hollywood outsider.
Career Reflections
Affleck opened by charting his journey from an aspiring actor in Los Angeles to an Oscar‑winning performer in Manchester by the Sea (2016). He highlighted the influence of a shared theatre teacher who inspired him and his peers, including Damon, to pursue acting.
Matt Damon Rivalry
When asked about the often‑mentioned rivalry with Damon, Affleck laughed and described the two as “very different in a weird and very obvious way.” He praised Damon’s talent and noted that while Damon has a “movie‑star persona,” Affleck and his brother Ben lean more toward leading‑man roles. Affleck singled out Damon’s performance in The Talented Mr. Ripley as a standout.
Christopher Nolan Phone Call
Affleck recounted a humorous incident in which he called Christopher Nolan to discuss Tenet. He mistakenly dialled Nolan’s wife, Emma Thomas, and ended up speaking with Nolan himself, a moment he described as “slightly awkward.”
Hollywood Outsider Identity
Affleck reflected on a Variety profile that called him a Hollywood outsider. He admitted feeling upset at first but later embraced the label, stating he prefers being an outsider to being an insider in Hollywood’s system. He added that he does not love the mainstream Hollywood culture and is happy with the outsider status.
Connections to Nolan Projects
Affleck noted that both he and Damon have appeared in Nolan’s films, specifically Interstellar (2014) and Oppenheimer (2023), underscoring their shared ties to the director’s work.
Key facts
- Affleck spoke at a masterclass before the Zurich Film Festival premiere of his film Company (hollywoodreporter.com)
- He discussed his friendship and rivalry with Matt Damon (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Affleck called Christopher Nolan and mistakenly dialled his wife Emma Thomas (hollywoodreporter.com)
- He embraces the label of a Hollywood outsider (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Both Affleck and Damon have appeared in Christopher Nolan films Interstellar and Oppenheimer (hollywoodreporter.com)
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “Casey Affleck on Matt Damon Rivalry, a Chris Nolan Phone Call and Being a Proud “Hollywood Outsider””
