Ben and Matt's Old Movie Gets a Second Chance

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are back in the spotlight with their 2021 film, The Last Duel, which is now a hit on HBO Max. This is surprising because the movie underperformed at the box office, earning only $30.5 million. However, it has found a new audience online.

A Medieval Epic Based on a True Story

The film revolves around a medieval duel in France and is based on a true story. Ben and Matt play pivotal roles, alongside other stars like Adam Driver and Jodie Comer. Despite being critically acclaimed—holding an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes—it failed to attract large theater audiences.

A Costly Flop Turned Streaming Hit

With a $100 million budget, The Last Duel needed to earn at least $200 million to break even. It fell far short, leading to significant losses for the studio. However, its fortunes have changed on streaming platforms, where it has become the 6th most-watched movie on HBO Max worldwide.

A Second Chance for a Forgotten Film

Ben and Matt have been friends since childhood and won an Oscar together for Good Will Hunting. Both have had successful careers—Matt in the Bourne series and Ben as Batman. Despite past collaborations, The Last Duel initially struggled.

Why did it take so long for audiences to discover this film? Perhaps it was poor timing or a lack of awareness. Regardless, its newfound success proves that some movies find their audience later.