Rob Gronkowski is in the first trailer for The Instigators, a new movie starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck from Apple TV+.

The Instigators first trailer

The trailer for The Instigators begins with Cobby (Affleck) antagonizing Rory (Damon). In the movie, they play two criminals who go on the run thanks to a botched robbery. For their adventure, they bring one of their therapists (Hong Chau) along.

“Is this your first job?” Cobby asks Rory. “A little late for a career change, ain't it?”

Rory is then seen in therapy talking about his broken family. He's offered a “once in a lifetime” score and is paired with Cobby. It's revealed that Rory is a Marine and Cobby is an ex-con.

Their styles clash as Rory appears to be a straight arrow and takes notes on the gameplan. Jack Harlow is seen for a moment explaining the robbery to him. Harlow's character advises Rory to threaten people with a firearm during the robbery.

Rory takes this advice. The robbery is supposed to go down on election night. However, it doesn't fully work and the two are on the run. Frank Toomey (Ving Rhames) is on their tail tracking them down.

When enlisting his therapist, Rory asks if he can take her hostage “with your permission.” The trailer ends with high-speed chases and car crashes. If nothing else, The Instigators promises a fun time.

Apple Studios co-financed the project with Damon's Artists Equity as well as Studio 8 and The Walsh Company. The Instigators will be released on Apple TV+ on August 9. It will also receive a theatrical release one week before its streaming release date.

Who does Rob Gronkowski play?

Around the 40-second mark, Rob Gronkowski can be seen. The robbery is supposed to occur during a speech the mayor is giving on election night. In a blink-or-you'll-miss-it cameo, Gronkowski is seen at the rally. He exclaims, “Let's go!” in true Tom Brady fashion.

Primarily known for his time with the New England Patriots, Gronkowski is no stranger to the big screen. He has appeared as himself in Entourage, 80 for Brady, and Good Burger 2. Additionally, Gronk has played characters in films such as American Violence and Boss Level.

Matt Damon and Casey Affleck's relationship

Casey Affleck is the brother of Ben Affleck, known for working with Matt Damon. The two founded Artists Equity and have produced high-profile projects such as Air and Kiss the Future.

However, the relationship extends to Casey Affleck as well. Damon has starred in several movies with the young Affleck brother including Ocean's Eleven. Damon also produced the Affleck-led Manchester by the Sea, which Affleck won Best Actor for at the Oscars.

More recently, the two appeared in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer together. Damon starred in the movie as Gen. Leslie Groves. Affleck played Boris Pash in it.

Oppenheimer was a big hit. Despite opening during the same weekend as Barbie, which made $1.4 billion, Oppenheimer made over $970 million. At the Oscars, the movie led the way with 13 nominations and won seven awards including Best Picture.