Ben Affleck replaces Matt Damon in Netflix thriller 'Animals': Report
What's the story
Ben Affleck is all set to direct and star in the upcoming Netflix thriller, Animals.
Initially, his long-time collaborator and friend Matt Damon was supposed to play the lead.
However, due to scheduling conflicts with Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, Damon had to reportedly step down from the acting role but will stay on as a producer with Affleck and Dani Bernfeld through their Artists Equity studio.
Casting update
Gillian Anderson to star opposite Affleck in 'Animals'
Recent reports also suggest that the X-Files star Gillian Anderson has been confirmed as the female lead in Animals. This comes after earlier reports that Affleck's ex-wife Jennifer Garner was considering the role.
The screenplay for this Los Angeles-based film is being crafted by Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray.
The narrative centers on a mayoral candidate and his wife dealing with their son's abduction.
Career highlights
Affleck and Damon's ongoing collaboration and past successes
Animals is set to begin production in Los Angeles this April. The project has been developed with Brad Weston and Collin Creighton of MakeReady, who are also on board as producers.
Despite the casting change, fans can still look forward to another project featuring both Affleck and Damon. They are set to co-star in Netflix's upcoming crime thriller RIP.
The two actors have a history of successful collaborations, including winning an Academy Award for co-writing Good Will Hunting in 1998.
Directorial success
Affleck's directorial journey has been exceptional
Affleck made his directorial debut with 2007's Gone Baby Gone, which earned Amy Ryan an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Affleck maintained his directorial hot streak with 2010's The Town, which earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Jeremy Renner.
His third film as a director, Argo, won Best Picture at the 2013 Academy Awards. His latest directorial outings include 2016's Live By Night and 2023's Air, the latter of which starred Damon.