Affleck calls Garner & Washington 'baking twins'—gasp at 2023 set

# Ben Affleck Calls Jennifer Garner & Kerry Washington His Baking Twins Ben Affleck recently revealed that his former wife Jennifer Garner and Netflix co‑star Kerry Washington share a “twin spirit” that keeps the set buzzing with baked goods, a detail that left the actor feeling both humbled and a little out‑classed.

Affleck’s confession came during an episode of Washington’s “Street You Grew Up On” podcast, where he compared Garner’s and Washington’s penchant for baking for the crew to a kind of culinary partnership that he had never seen elsewhere on a set.

The revelation struck a chord with fans who know Affleck as a prolific actor, writer and director, and who are curious about how his relationships with former spouse Jennifer Garner and co‑star Kerry Washington intersect in the world of filmmaking.

In the early 2020s, Affleck was preparing his Netflix original *Animals*, a film he both wrote and directed. The project originally intended to cast Garner in the lead role alongside a then‑unconfirmed co‑star.

However, scheduling conflicts and creative differences ultimately led to Matt Damon’s brief involvement and later, Affleck’s own taking of the lead role after Damon became unavailable.

Now, as the film unfolds, Affleck’s off‑camera musings about Garner and Washington provide a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics that shape the movie’s production, offering readers a fresh angle on the talent behind the screen. ## Background & Context Ben Affleck, 54, has had a storied career that spans acting, directing and screenwriting.

His 2005 marriage to Jennifer Garner, who was 54 at the time of their split in 2018, produced two children. Their relationship was highly publicized, and the couple remained on friendly terms after their divorce, often appearing together at charity events and in social media posts that underscored a mutual respect.

Affleck’s recent work on *Animals* marked a return to creative control, with the film being released on Netflix in 2023. *Animals* is a dark comedy‑drama that follows a husband and wife who decide to raise a pet that turns into a serial killer.

Affleck not only directed but also penned the screenplay, while Kerry Washington, then 49, portrayed the wife. The role was originally earmarked for Garner, with Affleck himself considering her as a perfect fit for the character’s nuance.

The plan was to leverage their real‑life chemistry and schedule the filming in a way that would allow both to spend more time with their children. However, logistical challenges forced the casting to shift.

Matt Damon was slated to play Affleck’s character but had to exit due to a commitment to *The Odyssey*, prompting Affleck to step into the lead role himself.

The decision to not pair Garner and Washington as on‑screen spouses was driven by a conscious effort to avoid bringing the baggage of their past relationship into the narrative.

Affleck explained that they were mindful of the audience’s perception and opted for a casting that would maintain focus on the story rather than personal history.

This creative choice set the stage for the dynamics Affleck later described on the podcast, where the camaraderie of the cast and crew, especially in the form of baked treats, became a defining feature of the production environment. ## What People Are Saying During the podcast episode, Affleck likened Garner and Washington to “twin spirits,” a phrase that captured their shared enthusiasm for baking and kindness.

“You and Jen Garner, by the way — talk about twin spirits. You’re the two — the only people I know who regularly bake for the crew,” he said, adding that their generosity made him feel like an ass no matter how hard he tried to keep up.

Affleck recalled moments on set when he attempted to bring a wrap gift for the crew, only to hear the crew joke about whether he had also gotten Kerry’s donuts or whether she’d be doing Halloween muffins the next day. The comments resonated with audiences who had followed Affleck’s career for decades.

Fans on social media shared images of the crew’s kitchen, celebrating the camaraderie that Affleck described.

Some commentators noted that the actors’ willingness to share homemade treats reflected a broader trend in film productions toward fostering a supportive and familial atmosphere, especially on projects with tight shooting schedules.

Others highlighted how Affleck’s candidness about feeling “deflated” when comparing himself to the generosity of Garner and Washington adds a layer of vulnerability rarely seen from a Hollywood figure of his stature. The discussion also touched on the history of the casting decision.

Affleck revealed that he had once imagined Garner as the perfect fit for the role, noting that their “togetherness” would translate into on‑screen chemistry.

He explained that their personal schedules could have aligned well if they had taken the role together, but ultimately they chose not to cast them as spouses to prevent audience baggage from coloring the film’s reception.

This transparency offered a behind‑the‑scenes look into how real‑life relationships can shape creative choices in the industry. ## What Happens Next Looking ahead, Affleck expressed an openness to future collaborations with Garner.

He described her as “fabulous” and emphasized that they remain good friends, leaving the door open for a potential reunion on a different project.

While he noted that the baggage associated with their past relationship would be a concern, he also indicated a desire to work with her if the right project presented itself. On the production side, *Animals* continues to attract attention for its blend of dark humor and social commentary.

The film’s release has sparked conversations about the portrayal of domestic dynamics and the psychological underpinnings of seemingly ordinary households gone awry. Critics have praised Washington’s performance, noting her capacity to balance warmth with an underlying tension that keeps viewers engaged.

Affleck’s direction has also been lauded for its pacing and the effective use of a limited setting to create suspense.

Fans can expect to While details are scarce, the actor’s openness about past relationships and his willingness to bring personal authenticity into his projects suggest that forthcoming work may continue to blur the lines between on‑screen narrative and off‑screen reality.

In the end, Affleck’s “baking twins” comparison offers a rare glimpse into the human side of a Hollywood veteran, reminding audiences that even amid blockbusters and complex character arcs, the simple act of sharing a treat can unite a crew and shape a film’s spirit.