Scott Adkins has been cast as the brother of Ben Affleck’s character in the upcoming film The Rip, marking a unique moment in both actors’ careers. The movie, set in Miami, revolves around a group of cops who discover millions of dollars in an abandoned stash house, sparking tension and suspicion among them.
Adkins plays FBI Agent Del Byrne, the strict and composed sibling to Ben Affleck’s fiery protagonist, Detective Sergeant JD Byrne. Their familial connection unfolds during intense interrogation scenes early in the film, where the brothers clash both verbally and physically. Although Adkins’ screen time is limited, his character becomes crucial during the movie’s climax, enhancing the story’s dramatic tension and adding depth to the brotherly rivalry.
Scott Adkins’ Career and Connection to Ben Affleck
Known primarily for his roles in action films like the Undisputed series and his standout performance as Killa Harkan in John Wick: Chapter 4, Scott Adkins has built a reputation for delivering high-energy, skillful fight scenes reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s style action movies led by stars such as Jean-Claude Van Damme. Besides leading in his own projects, Adkins has appeared in popular mainstream titles including Netflix’s Day Shift and Marvel’s Doctor Strange.
Interestingly, Adkins previously worked alongside Matt Damon in The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), establishing another connection within The Rip’s cast. His chemistry with Ben Affleck enhances their few shared scenes, making the brother dynamic credible and engaging.
The Running Joke of Scott Adkins’ Resemblance to Ben Affleck
Throughout his career, Scott Adkins’ physical similarity to Ben Affleck has been a recurring topic among audiences and critics alike. Although not identical, the likeness in facial features and physique has become a playful aspect of Adkins’ public persona. This resemblance was humorously acknowledged in the Sacha Baron Cohen comedy The Brothers Grimsby, where Cohen’s character refers to Adkins’ assassin as “the Ukrainian Ben Affleck” during a climactic fight.
Similarly, the joke surfaced in Adkins’ film Accident Man: Hitman’s Holiday, where his character, Fallon, is described as “melted Ben Affleck.” That line gained enough popularity to feature prominently in the trailer for its 2022 sequel, underscoring the ongoing cultural nod to their likeness.
Scott Adkins’ Connection to the Superhero Genre and Batman Audition
Adkins has ventured into superhero roles before, serving as Ryan Reynolds’ stunt double for Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and playing a henchman in Doctor Strange. Notably, he once auditioned for the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a part that eventually went to Ben Affleck. Although Adkins faced tough competition from actors like Josh Brolin and Affleck himself, his audition tape later became accessible online, offering fans a glimpse of what might have been.
This history further links Adkins and Affleck, adding layers to their on-screen collaboration in The Rip. The pairing of the two actors as feuding brothers suggests potential for future projects that could explore their dynamic more extensively, possibly in an action-comedy format where their brotherly clashes drive the plot.
A Closer Look at The Rip’s Storyline and Cast
The Rip centers on a team of Miami police officers who stumble upon a fortune in cash hidden in a deserted stash house. As the officers grapple with the moral and legal consequences of their find, distrust grows within the group, creating a tense and uncertain atmosphere. This backdrop serves as the setting for JD Byrne (Ben Affleck) and his brother Del Byrne (Scott Adkins) to navigate both professional and personal conflicts.
Alongside Ben Affleck and Scott Adkins, the film stars Matt Damon as Lieutenant Dane Dumars, adding further star power to the ensemble. The interplay between these characters weaves a complex tale of loyalty, rivalry, and survival amid a crime thriller environment.
Impact of Adkins’ Casting and What to Expect Next
Scott Adkins’ portrayal of Del Byrne introduces a fresh dynamic not just in The Rip’s narrative but also in the broader cinematic landscape, bringing his distinct action star presence into a crime thriller with serious dramatic stakes. His casting as Ben Affleck’s brother validates the longstanding comparison between the two actors and delivers a satisfying payoff for fans familiar with Adkins’ career and the playful gags about their resemblance.
With The Rip scheduled for release on January 16, 2026, viewers can anticipate an intense storyline that blends action with psychological intrigue. The juxtaposition of Adkins’ controlled, determined FBI agent and Affleck’s impulsive detective promises compelling character interactions. Moving forward, the chemistry seen in this film could open doors for more collaborations where they explore brotherly tensions or team-ups in new genres.
