Ben Affleck Defends Jennifer Lopez as He Reveals What He Still Hopes to Do With Jennifer Garner
Ben Affleckand Jennifer Lopez attend the 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on January 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He explained that he wanted his participation in the documentary to be honest and interesting and emphasized that he loved and supported Lopez at the time.
Concerned that his remarks might be interpreted as criticism, Affleck returned to the subject later in the interview, insisting he had “nothing but respect” for his ex-wife.
Yet Lopez is not the only former wife he spoke about during the Variety interview. Affleck also revealed how a promising Hollywood reunion with his first ex-wife nearly became reality before an unexpected casting shake-up changed everything.
Jennifer Garner Was Almost Cast in Affleck’s New Thriller
Affleck’s upcoming Netflix thriller “Animals” underwent a dramatic transformation before reaching its current form. Written by Connor O. McIntyre, Billy Ray, and Affleck, the film followsLos Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball, whose son is kidnapped during a bitter political campaign.
As the desperate father faces a terrifying family crisis, secrets and betrayals threaten his already crumbling marriage and political ambitions. Affleck now directs and stars opposite Kerry Washington, marking the fifth time the Oscar-winning filmmaker has directed himself.
Ben Affleck and Kerry Washington arrive at the premiere of “Animals” at Westwood Village Theater on October 1, 2026 | Source: Getty Images
But the original cast looked very different. When the project was announced in January 2024, Affleck’s longtime friend and business partner Matt Damon was supposed to play Mark. And Affleck had a familiar face in mind to portray the character’s therapist wife: his ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
