Ben Affleck is set to take on a dual role as both lead actor and director in Netflix's upcoming thriller 'Animals' after the original star Matt Damon decided to withdraw from the project.
- Feb 7, 2025
AceShowbiz - Ben Affleck has boarded new thriller "Animals," which he was already lined up to direct. The role, originally meant for his longtime friend and colleague Matt Damon, but he was forced to step down due to his commitment to Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," which conflicted with the production schedule for "Animals."
Despite this setback, the Jason Bourne actor remains on board as a producer, collaborating once more with Affleck and Dani Bernfeld through their Artists Equity studio.
"Animals" revolves around a mayoral candidate and his wife grappling with the kidnapping of their son. The screenplay is being penned by Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray, known for their work on "Captain Phillips" and "The Hunger Games." The project is set to begin production in Los Angeles this April.
Joining Affleck in the cast is Gillian Anderson, who is set to play the female lead. Anderson, famous for her iconic role in "The X-Files," has been busy lately, featuring in dramas such as "White Bird," "Scoop," and "The Salt Path" in 2024. She will next appear opposite Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jodie Turner-Smith in "Tron: Ares."
Close pals Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have a long history of collaboration, winning an Academy Award for co-writing "Good Will Hunting" in 1998. Their new joint project include Netflix's "RIP," a crime thriller directed by Joe Carnahan and led by Steven Yeun, Kyle Chandler, and Teyana Taylor.
Ben Affleck's directing career has been nothing short of impressive. Following his debut with "Gone Baby Gone" in 2007, he directed "The Town" in 2010, earning Jeremy Renner an Oscar nomination.
His third directorial effort, "Argo," won Best Picture at the 2013 Academy Awards, as well as accolades for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing. Affleck's more recent projects include "Live by Night" (2016) and "Air" (2023), the latter again starring Damon.
If you're a fan of Affleck's work and his long-standing collaboration with Matt Damon, there's much to look forward to in their upcoming projects. While Damon won't be on screen in "Animals," their creative synergy continues to flourish behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more updates on casting and production schedules as we get closer to the film's release.
