Matt Damon says Netflix wants big explosions in first five minutes

Writer: Heidi Hsia

Netflix wants explosions upfront in "The Rip"

20 Jan - Matt Damon recently admitted that Netflix has changed the trajectory of filmmaking, with its emphasis on catering to distracted viewers glued to their "second screens."

The "second screen" here refers to phones, because people are on their phones while they're watching films.

The actor sat down for an interview to promote his new Netflix film "The Rip," which he stars in and produces alongside best buddy Ben Affleck. During the conversation, Damon explained how the streaming giant's approach has shifted the standard way of making movies.

"The standard way to make an action movie, that we learned, was you usually have three set pieces. One in the first act, one in the second, one in the third - and the big one with all the explosions and you spend most of your money on that one in the third act. That's your kind of finale," he explained.

"The Rip" reunites Damon with his writing and producing buddy, Ben Affleck

But now? Things are different.

"Now, they're like, 'Can we get a big one in the first five minutes?' We want people to stay tuned in. And it wouldn't be terrible if you reiterated the plot three or four times in the dialogue because people are on their phones while they're watching," Damon said.

The actor warned that this approach is starting to infringe on how filmmakers tell their stories.

The issue of "second screen" viewing has been drawing criticism from filmmakers and scriptwriters alike, with many expressing frustration over having to spell out everything on screen for phone-distracted viewers. Even audiences are growing annoyed with the trend, with many saying the dumbed-down approach feels insulting.

The final season of "Stranger Things" was criticised for its script

Cinema Online, 20 January 2026