‘Animals’ Star Ben Affleck (54) Surprises Fans with Praise for Jennifer Lopez (57) and Jennifer Garner (54)

Few Hollywood stars have had their personal lives so closely scrutinized by the tabloids as Ben Affleck. His romantic relationships, including a reunion with Jennifer Lopez and a split in 2024, have often defined his public persona.

Currently, however, Affleck wants to shift the focus to his professional endeavors. He directs, co-writes, and stars in the kidnapping thriller ‘Animals’, which premiered on Netflix and in select theaters on October 9. He has been actively promoting the film, with a cover story in Variety published on October 7.

During this press tour, Affleck surprised many by expressing admiration for both of his ex-wives, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Garner, in a rare moment that has fans buzzing.

When discussing the branding power and content division of his company Artists Equity, Affleck noted that modern stars must cultivate their social media presence. He praised both Lopez and Garner for their success in this area, emphasizing that it requires genuine effort and admitting that he personally struggles with it.

The conversation then shifted to Lopez’s acting career. Affleck produced her upcoming 2025 film ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’, and many believe she deserves an Oscar nomination for it, similar to the recognition she received for ‘Hustlers’. When asked about her frequent lack of acknowledgment, he candidly admitted his bias.

Affleck told Variety: “I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for what she can do.”

He further explained that the criteria for awards often diverges from his personal taste, describing Hollywood as a subjective industry where personal opinions significantly influence outcomes. His response was both diplomatic and generous.

Affleck and Garner were married from 2005 to 2018 and share three children: Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. In the same interview, he explained how they manage co-parenting, with the kids alternating weeks between him and their mother. He expressed gratitude towards Garner, noting that this is a wonderful phase in his life.

Garner’s influence is also felt in ‘Animals’. The film was initially set to feature Matt Damon and Garner in the lead roles, with Affleck directing but not starring. When Damon exited, Affleck took on the lead role, while Garner gracefully stepped aside from playing the wife of her real-life ex-husband to avoid any potential misinterpretation of their dynamics.

Kerry Washington ultimately took on the role, joining Affleck alongside a talented cast that includes Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Adriana Paz, Ray Fisher, and Luis Gerardo Méndez.

The film follows a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife who become ensnared in a web of deception when their son is kidnapped. As they scramble to gather the ransom, they face choices that could shatter their lives. Affleck co-wrote the screenplay with Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray.

Produced through Artists Equity, the company Affleck co-founded with Matt Damon under a first-look deal with Netflix, the film was shot in and around Los Angeles, with producers aiming to support the local film industry. This marks Affleck’s sixth feature as a director, and he has stated that Netflix provided minimal feedback during production.

The interview delved into more than just his ex-wives. Affleck also reflected on his time as Batman, the possibility of entering politics, the loss of both his parents this year, and his iconic scene in ‘Gone Girl’.

With ‘Animals’ now streaming, the tone of the press tour feels notably gracious. After years of tabloid scrutiny regarding his relationships, Affleck appears content to let his kindness towards Lopez and Garner take center stage.

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