Ben Affleck Calls Netflix Plot Claim 'Clickbait'

Ben Affleck has addressed comments made by Matt Damon suggesting that Netflix asks filmmakers to restate the plot multiple times. In an interview with MovieWeb, Affleck called the continued spread of the claim "clickbait" and said it was positioned as the opposite of what they actually said.

Affleck explained that he and Damon had just finished two movies with Netflix and were noting a perception that filmmakers are told to restate the plot, but that it isn't necessary. He cited Baby Reindeer and Adolescence as examples.

In January, Damon said on Joe Rogan's podcast that he heard Netflix tells filmmakers it wouldn't be terrible to reiterate the plot three or four times because viewers are on their phones, discussing his experience with The Rip. Netflix denied the claim, and a skit at the Oscars drew further attention to it.

Affleck's film Animals, which he directed, co-wrote, and stars in alongside Kerry Washington, is due out in theaters and on Netflix on October 9, 2026. Washington said Netflix gives creative freedom to people they respect.