Ben Affleck Almost Reunites With Ex Jennifer Garner—Netflix Swaps Her

**Ben Affleck Almost Cast Ex‑Jennifer Garner in New Thriller “Animals”**

Ben Affleck is set to take center stage in his next directorial effort, *Animals*, which will stream on Netflix on Oct. 9. The 45‑year‑old co‑writes the script, directs the film, and plays Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball. The crime thriller follows Mark and his wife as they race against time to rescue their kidnapped son.

The idea for the movie began with Affleck looking for a fresh take on a kidnapping narrative. He originally brought in Matt Damon to play Mark, then pivoted to portray the character himself when Damon backed out. This change set off a chain of casting moves that almost reunited Affleck with his former wife, Jennifer Garner.

Affleck explained that he first imagined Garner as the role of Abigail, Mark’s wife. “I thought, God, Jen Garner would be amazing for this role,” he said in an interview with *Entertainment Weekly*. “It also has the added benefit of…both of us will see our kids more because we do a week and a week and back and forth.”

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## Background & Context

Affleck’s plan to cast Garner emerged after a similar kidnapping thriller was announced from A24’s Spike Lee‑produced project, *Highest 2 Lowest*. Two weeks before production was due to start, Affleck pulled the plug on that version of *Animals*, . “It’s hard enough to make a good movie.

You don’t need those kinds of headwinds,” he explained.

Months later, Affleck’s enthusiasm for the story revived production. However, Matt Damon was then committed to a lesser film with Christopher Nolan and later to *Odyssey*. Damon’s shift to a smaller director and role led Affleck to joke that Damon would “regret this choice.” As a result, Affleck decided to step into the lead role himself.

The production timeline also intersected with the 2023 Hollywood strikes, during which Affleck met Kerry Washington. He later chose Washington to play Abigail, . “She’s very polished, but she’s also very warm.

I thought, Oh my God, she’s amazing for this,” Affleck said.

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## What Happened

When Affleck first approached Garner about the part, she was hesitant. He remembered her reply: “We don’t wanna do that.

You just get baggage.” Affleck noted that he would love to work with her in the future, but he was wary of “taking the audience’s baggage and having it work against you.” This concern ultimately prevented the on‑screen reunion.

Affleck’s subsequent search led him to Kerry Washington, whom he had met during the strikes. Washington accepted the role of Abigail, Mark’s wife, and brings a new dynamic to the thriller.

The film now stars Affleck as Mark Kimball and Washington as Abigail, with a plot centered on their son’s abduction and the frantic race to secure ransom money.

Affleck described the story as an intense few hours of action: “Animals stars Affleck as Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball, whose son is kidnapped, giving him and wife Abigail a few hours to get their hands dirty and come up with the ransom money.”

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## What Happens Next

*Animals* will premiere on Netflix on Oct. 9. The film’s release follows Affleck’s work on other projects, including a new crime drama that was delayed due to competing releases. Affleck’s involvement as writer, director, and star signals a strong personal investment in the narrative.

The production team, which includes co‑writers Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray, has kept the movie’s details tight. The story focuses on political ambition, family crisis, and moral choices under pressure.

As the film approaches its streaming debut, audiences can expect an intimate look at a mayoral candidate pushed to his limits.

In short, while a reunion with Jennifer Garner never materialized, *Animals* promises an engaging thriller that showcases Affleck’s multifaceted talent behind the camera and in front of it.