Liman's Heist

Filmmaker Doug Liman found himself in unfamiliar territory when he joined Matt Damon's latest project, "The Instigators." This action-comedy, set in Boston and due for release on Apple TV+ in August, marks their reunion after over two decades since their collaboration on "The Bourne Identity."

Written by Casey Affleck and Chuck McLean, "The Instigators" follows Damon's character, Rory, a desperate father, and Casey Affleck as Cobby, a small-time criminal, as they team up for a risky heist that goes awry. Liman was drawn to this project, excited to direct Damon in a role vastly different from his iconic Jason Bourne character.

"This is a guy who doesn’t speed. He’s done everything in his life sort of by the books, and this is the first time he’s going to break the rules," Liman explained.

Liman expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative and creative environment on set, facilitated by Artists Equity, Damon, and Ben Affleck's production company. He enjoyed the spontaneity and involvement of the entire team, including Damon and Ben Affleck, in refining the script during filming—a departure from the rigid Hollywood norm.

Reflecting on his experience, Liman contrasted it with his earlier work on "Bourne," where he felt stifled by industry expectations. "We were like ‘holy we’re the adults in the room. How did that happen?’" he mused.

Regarding the production's partnership with Apple TV+, Liman emphasized the importance of aligning with a company's agenda. He praised Apple's commitment to aspirational filmmaking, which resonated with his own approach to creating smart, entertaining, and glossy movies like "The Instigators."

While Liman remains open to streaming platforms, he stressed the significance of being in sync with a company's vision. For him, the collaboration with Apple TV+ was a positive experience, reflecting the evolving landscape of filmmaking.

In "The Instigators," Liman and his team leveraged Boston's urban landscape, shutting down streets and tunnels for exhilarating chase sequences. The film promises to offer audiences a unique blend of action, comedy, and character-driven storytelling when it hits theaters on August 2 before streaming on Apple TV+ starting August 9.