You know how sometimes when two close friends go out, a third person can accidentally become the odd one out?
That’s exactly what happened over the weekend when Ben Affleck found himself as the third wheel while hanging out with his longtime buddy Matt Damon and Matt’s wife, Luciana Barroso.
Ben, 52, joined Matt, 54, and Luciana, 48, for a dinner date at Steak 48 in Beverly Hills on Sunday.
The trio seemed to enjoy the evening, but it was definitely a different kind of outing for Ben — sitting alongside a couple who’ve been married since 2005.
From Roasting to Relaxing: Ben and Matt’s Weekend Vibes
Just hours earlier, Ben had been playfully roasting Matt about his now very noticeable gray beard.
Matt’s beard is growing out for his role as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey, and Ben wasn’t shy about joking on stage at Netflix’s Tudum event in Los Angeles.
The two were there to reveal the first footage of their Netflix action thriller The Rip, where they star as Miami cops tangled up in a high-stakes investigation.
After the presentation, they grabbed a late dinner together — this time with Matt’s wife Luciana joining the mix.
Casual Looks and Close Company in Beverly Hills
Ben kept it cool and casual in a black T-shirt layered under a black leather jacket, paired with blue jeans and black boots — classic laid-back vibes.
Matt went for a more summery look with a short-sleeved white button-down shirt, gray pants, and white sneakers.
For Ben, this outing might have been more than just dinner — a chance to enjoy some company while moving forward from his split with Jennifer Lopez.
The Beard and The Big Screen: Matt’s Transformation for The Odyssey
That gray beard Matt has been growing? It’s all for his role as the legendary Greek hero Odysseus in Nolan’s much-anticipated film.
Filming started back in February, and the star-studded cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron.
Though they’re still filming, the buzz is already building.
At the Tudum event, Ben joked, “I trusted Matt would shave the beard before Tudum.
And here we are.” The two also introduced some of their The Rip co-stars like Teyana Taylor and Steven Yeun.
Behind the Scenes of The Rip: A Story Rooted in Real Life
The Rip isn’t just your average cop thriller. Joe Carnahan, the director, drew inspiration from a deeply personal story about a friend who’s a father and head of tactical narcotics for Miami Dade police.
The film aims to channel the spirit of classic 1970s cop movies — think Serpico, Prince of the City, and Michael Mann’s Heat.
The movie features a strong supporting cast too, including Sasha Calle, Néstor Carbonell, Lina Esco, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler. It’s set to premiere on Netflix on January 16.
Longtime Boston Besties Working Together on Big Projects
Ben and Matt’s friendship goes way back to their Boston roots, and they’ve teamed up for a bunch of projects.
Most recently, they co-produced Bill Condon’s remake of the West End hit Kiss of the Spider Woman, starring Ben’s second ex-wife Jennifer Lopez.
That movie is set to hit U.S. theaters this October.
Meanwhile, Matt is taking a break from filming Nolan’s epic The Odyssey, which has a whopping $250 million budget and is slated for release on July 17, 2026.
Matt’s Ongoing Collaboration with Christopher Nolan
This isn’t Matt’s first time working with Nolan.
He’s previously starred in Oppenheimer (2023) and Interstellar (2014) — both massive hits.
Filming for The Odyssey began in late February and will take place across stunning locations including Italy, Greece, Morocco, Scotland, Ireland, and the U.K.
What’s Next for Ben, Matt, and Luciana?
While Matt’s deep into his role as Odysseus, Ben seems focused on his projects and personal life, with moments like this dinner offering a glimpse into their enduring friendship.
Luciana’s presence added a warm, homey touch to the night out.
Clearly, these Boston best friends have plenty more exciting work and stories ahead — both on and off screen.