Ben Affleck Reveals Why Jennifer Garner Was Cut From 'Animals' — And Her Nine-Word Response Says It All

Ben Affleck is opening up about a casting decision that almost happened in his new movie“Animals,”and the reason he swapped out his own ex-wife is surprisingly practical. Originally, Jennifer Garner was set to play the love interest, partly because it would have made co-parenting schedules easier while the exes worked together. But when the film paused in early 2024 and Matt Damon moved on to“The Odyssey,”Affleck took over the lead role himself, meaning he would now be the one acting opposite Garner in romantic scenes.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, Affleck explained that he and Garner agreed the real-life history between them would loom too large on screen. According to Affleck, Garner told him,“We don’t wanna do that. You just get baggage.”Kerry Washington ended up taking the role, playing Affleck’s wife in the film instead. The exes, both 54, were married from 2005 to 2018 and share three children, and their friendly co-parenting dynamic has long been one of Hollywood’s more heartwarming divorce stories.

Affleck didn’t shut the door on a future collaboration, telling EW he’d still love to work with Garner someday and calling her“fabulous.”He added that they’re really good friends and that he’s profoundly grateful to her. What do you think — should exes ever act opposite each other, or does the audience’s baggage always win?