Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck Almost Reunited on Screen After 23 Years

Ben Affleck revealed why Jennifer Garner didn’t end up starring in his new Netflix thriller, Animals. The actor-director explained how a series of unexpected production changes led to Garner’s departure and Kerry Washington’s casting.

Why Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner didn’t reunite for Animals

Ben Affleck originally cast his ex-wife Jennifer Garner as the therapist wife in his Netflix thriller Animals, he told Entertainment Weekly. “I thought, God, Jen Garner would be amazing for this role,” Affleck said. He also saw a practical benefit to working together on the film.

“It also has the added benefit of, like, both of us will see our kids more because we do a week and a week and back and forth,” he said. “I thought, well, we can coordinate our schedules around it.” Affleck also believed Garner could showcase untapped range in the role.

“She can bring something interesting that she hasn’t [done], that I kind of know she can do,” he said. Garner last appeared on the big screen in a cameo as Elektra in 2024’s Deadpool vs. Wolverine. She hasn’t led a film since 2023’s Family Switch.

However, Affleck initially shut down production two weeks before shooting began. He later revived the project but decided to play the lead role himself. That created an awkward situation where he would play Garner’s husband in a troubled marriage.

“I talked to Jen, and she was like, ‘We don’t wanna do that. You just get baggage,'” Affleck said. He acknowledged the potential distraction their real-life history could cause for audiences. “What you don’t wanna do is take the audience’s baggage and have it work against you, you know?”

Despite the change, Affleck expressed admiration for Garner and hopes to work with her again. “I would love to work with her, frankly,” he said. “She’s fabulous, and we’re really good friends, and I’m profoundly grateful to her.” Kerry Washington ultimately took over the role of Abigail in the film. Animals streams on Netflix on Oct. 9.

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