Why Ben Affleck scrapped his Netflix movie before filming
The director’s chair is calling, and Ben Affleck is ready to answer. He is back to helm of the crime thriller Animals, a film that promises high stakes and sharp storytelling. Set to debut on Netflix on October 9, this project has a compelling backstory that reveals more about the creative journey than the final product itself.
Before the cameras could roll, the production of Animals faced a significant hurdle. Affleck initially had high-profile actors lined up, including Matt Damon and Jennifer Garner. However, just two weeks before filming was scheduled to begin, Affleck pulled the plug entirely.
The reason for the sudden halt? Creative anxiety. Affleck reportedly got cold feet when he heard that the plot started to echo a film already in development by Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, Highest 2 Lowest, a story involving a kidnapping.
Fearing he would create a derivative version of an existing narrative, Affleck felt the project would face unnecessary headwinds. He jokingly admitted he had already starred in one of the “asteroid movies,” suggesting he was wary of creating a competing cinematic version.
The internal debate was fierce, but ultimately, the desire to pursue the story remained strong. Months later, Affleck decided he needed to resurrect the project, driven by a personal interest in exploring the themes of Los Angeles, realizing he had lived there longer than he had in Boston.
Bringing the project back introduced a new set of complications. Damon was no longer available, as he was committed to shooting a low-budget movie with Christopher Nolan. Affleck stepped in for the lead role, but this move created an awkward dynamic with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner.
Affleck confessed that he worried about involving Garner, recognizing that bringing her into the role might introduce unnecessary baggage for the film. While he admired her, he felt it would work against the narrative’s authenticity.
Ultimately, the casting evolved. Although Affleck took the lead, Kerry Washington stepped into the role, allowing the project to move forward with a fresh energy. The result is a film that marries Affleck’s directorial vision with a compelling, newly assembled cast, promising a gripping crime thriller for Netflix.
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