The upcoming Netflix film The RIP brings a fresh Ben Affleck Netflix thriller update as action favorite Scott Adkins joins the project, playing Affleck’s brother. Scheduled for a January 16, 2026 release, this film is set to unite a notable cast under director Joe Carnahan in what promises to be a gripping story involving Miami detectives and a massive cash discovery.
Affleck, once chosen over other big names, including the experienced martial artist Scott Adkins, for the role of Batman in Zack Snyder’s DC Universe, adds another layer to his film history by collaborating with Adkins in The RIP. Adkins recounted in a recent MovieWeb interview how his professional paths with Affleck and fellow star Matt Damon have intersected before, emphasizing the high caliber of the people involved in the project.
Scott Adkins Reunites with Top Talent in The RIP
Scott Adkins, well-known for his dynamic roles in action cinema, recently spoke about his latest projects while promoting Diablo. Not only did Adkins share insights into Diablo’s old-school action approach, but he also provided fans with details about his new role as Ben Affleck’s sibling in The RIP, a casting decision grounded in their notable resemblance. The Netflix feature assembles a star-studded cast that includes Matt Damon, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Néstor Carbonell, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Kyle Chandler.
Adkins specifically commented on the excellence of the actors involved and the authentic storytelling crafted by Joe Carnahan. He described his excitement for joining such top-tier talent and spoke of his previous work with Matt Damon on The Bourne Ultimatum as a high point.
“I’m Ben Affleck’s brother in that. And that was gonna happen at some point, I suppose, because we bear a resemblance, apparently,”
said Adkins to MovieWeb.
“I worked with [The RIP co-star] Matt Damon before, on The Bourne Ultimatum. Super nice guys, both of them. Ben Affleck, incredible actor. Both of them, just amazing actors. The cast on this film is just, like, brilliant. And Joe Carnahan, fantastic director, wrote an amazing script. It’s something that — you’ve not delved into this world before, and it was so authentic the way it was written. It’s a brilliant script. And for me, it’s just a real thrill to be working with such a high-level and caliber of actors. And so I’m really looking forward to it coming out.”
—Scott Adkins, Actor
The RIP: Plot and Premiere Details
The plot of The RIP revolves around a Miami police team, played by an ensemble of acclaimed actors, who uncover millions of dollars hidden in a run-down stash house. The discovery triggers a wave of mistrust and suspicion, intensifying the narrative’s suspense as alliances are tested and everyone’s motives are brought to light. According to the film’s official synopsis,
“After a team of Miami cops discovers millions in cash inside a derelict stash house, trust frays as everything — and everyone — is called into question.”
The story promises to blend high-stakes drama with intense action amid the vibrant Miami setting.
Director Joe Carnahan, recognized for his work on gritty action films, leads the creative vision behind The RIP. The script’s authenticity and complexity, together with the experienced roster—Ben Affleck, Scott Adkins, Matt Damon, Steven Yeun, and others—bring significant anticipation for this upcoming Netflix release.
Adkins Highlights Diablo as a Standout Martial Arts Film
While building anticipation for The RIP, Adkins has also been busy with Diablo, another action feature co-starring Marko Zaror, known for past collaborations like John Wick: Chapter 4 and Savage Dog. Adkins openly praised Diablo during his promotional circuit, stating it stands apart as a top contender for martial arts movie fans in the next year.
He explained,
“It’s an old-school action, martial-arts flick, you know, like, transplanted out of the ’90s, which is the stuff that I grew up watching. And that’s the stuff I like to make, even though people that might say, ‘Well, it’s dated.’ Well, that’s the stuff that I still like, so that’s what I want to give to my audience. And I know my audiences do like that sort of stuff on camera. You know, properly, guys that can actually do what they’re supposed to be doing on screen — no CGI, no tricks. We are highly trained martial artists, myself and Marko. And yeah, that’s the type of movie that I love, so that’s what I’m trying to make.”
—Scott Adkins, Actor
The movie, released by Lionsgate, is now accessible in theaters, on demand, and through digital platforms. In Diablo, both Adkins and Zaror are front and center, bringing choreography and energy that harken back to action classics, appealing to audiences who value authentic martial arts performances over digital effects.
Looking Ahead: Impact on Action Cinema and Streaming
The collaboration between Ben Affleck and Scott Adkins in The RIP not only enhances the film’s star power but also signals a continued elevation of action-packed storytelling for Netflix. With established names like Matt Damon, Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, and more in supporting roles, and the direction of Joe Carnahan, The RIP could set the bar for action thrillers on streaming platforms. As fans await its premiere in 2026, the film’s focus on character complexity and real-world action may influence upcoming projects within the genre and beyond, especially as streaming services intensify their competition for original blockbuster content.
