Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - Ben Affleck has revealed that his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, decided not to star opposite him in his upcoming crime thriller Animals. Garner was initially considered for the role of Abigail, while Matt Damon was expected to play the lead.
After Damon left the project because of his commitment to The Odyssey, Affleck stepped into the role himself, prompting a conversation with Garner about appearing together on screen.
Affleck said Garner ultimately felt that having the former couple play an onscreen married pair could bring unwanted baggage for audiences. He said he understood her decision and stressed that he still has a strong relationship with her.
Kerry Washington was eventually cast as his onscreen wife, Abigail, in the film, which follows a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped, putting his marriage and public life under intense pressure.
Despite the decision, Affleck said he would be happy to work with Garner again, praising her talent and describing their current relationship positively.
Animals, which Affleck also directs, is now set to arrive in select cinemas and on Netflix on October 9. The film also stars Steven Yeun, Gillian Anderson and Ray Fisher, adding to the anticipation surrounding Affleck’s latest project.
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