Why Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Are Taking Over Your FYP
So, here’s the breakdown–which could mean nothing!
The people know Oscar winners Matt Damon and Ben Affleck all too well as a filmmaking duo most famous for their performances and writing in “Good Will Hunting,” in which they star alongside Robin Williams and Minnie Driver in a heartwarming drama about class privilege and ivy league education in their native Boston, Massachusetts. Their friendship has stood the test of time, and the pair are still often spotted at award shows together, and of course in the stands of Fenway Park.
The pair’s friendship is often showcased at the heart of each actor-writers’ work. Most recently, the pair starred in a memorable SuperBowl commercial for the Boston-founded Dunkin’ Donuts as the DunKings, and received Golden Globe nominations for “Air.” In an entertainment industry that stereotypically shines a light on the fleeting nature of relationships, such an enduring friendship is rare.
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But this week, something peculiar is in the air as Pride Month begins. Amid gossip reports of the alleged end of Ben Affleck’s marriage to actress-singer Jennifer Lopez, TikTok users have taken it upon themselves to create romantic video montages to the tune of Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck Babe” of Affleck and Damon, some even alleging that maybe Ben’s true love has been Matt all along. While the videos have an inherently meme-able and humorous quality, some appear to be taking them seriously. Without further ado, here’s the lore behind the memes.
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These assumptions stem from a 2018 report from The Guardian that confirmed that the pair of actors were once considered for the titular roles in “Brokeback Mountain,” which eventually went to Jake Gylenhaal and Heath Ledger (both straight actors). The film famously follows the star-crossed love story of two cowboys as they navigate their sexualities in a time in which the LGBTQ+ community had few freedoms. The videos are all flooded with comments that state “which could mean nothing,” a quote from an article that once alleged that Damon was seen visiting Affleck’s home without his wedding ring.
Some further background–Damon has been married to his wife Luciana Barroso since 2005, and the couple share three daughters. Affleck, on the other hand, was once married to actress Jennifer Garner in 2005 and the former couple co-parent three children together since their 2015 divorce. Affleck reconciled with his once-fianceè Jennifer Lopez in 2022 when the pair officially tied the knot. Now, divorce rumors swirl in the months following the release of Lopez’ controversial musical film “This Is Me…Now” and its accompanying documentary “The Greatest Love Story Never Told.”
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At the same time as the edits, a viral video emerged of Damon celebrating Pride Month alongside drag queen Athena Dion in Mykonos, Greece. The queens present thanked Damon and his family and the Hemsworths for showing support for drag queens and the queer community at the event. A video of Damon chatting with the Queens has sparked a number of “gay uncle” Tweets.
The whole situation has naturally sparked discourse. Some continue to assert that they find it strange to assume the sexualities of strangers and stars alike, and others feel that the reactions to the pair’s lasting friendship is only adding fuel to the fire that is the male loneliness epidemic. The phenomenon, which stems from a 2021 research survey from the Survey Center on American Life, found that a higher percentage of men found close friendships to be not masculine. Only 1 in 5 reported having received emotional support from a friend in the week of the survey, compared to the 4 in 10 in women.
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Since the release of this data, a number of journalists, social scientists, and digital creators continue to comment on this phenomenon, with some attributing the negative aspects of contemporary dating culture to the male loneliness epidemic’s role in the perpetration of toxic masculinity. Men with enduring friendships are more emotionally available, and often able to serve as better romantic partners. So, in a world in which men struggle to find true friendships, why are Damon and Affleck becoming the butt of a joke?
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As both have spoken on their support for liberal politicians and the LGBTQ+ community, many assume that the pair will take their viral moment in stride, and that the memes are largely harmless. At the same time, it’s important to draw the line, and remember that displays of emotion from men do not immediately determine their sexuality. Regardless of what the true nature of their relationship may be, it’s important to remember what Pride is about–giving people the space and support they need to figure out how they may identify.