Ben Affleck wanted Jennifer Garner to star in ‘Animals’

Ben Affleck wanted his former wife, actress Jennifer Garner, to play his on-screen wife in the film ‘Animals’, according to Entertainment Tonight.

The movie was initially planned with Affleck as director and Matt Damon in the lead role. Affleck wanted Garner to appear opposite Damon, but Damon eventually had to leave the project, prompting Affleck to take over his role, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

“I spoke to Jen, and she said to me, ‘We don’t want to do this. You’re just going to bring all that baggage with you,’” Affleck said.

The role ultimately went to actress Kerry Washington. However, Affleck said he remains open to working with Garner on screen in the future.

“She’s wonderful, we’re very good friends and I’m deeply grateful to her. We have a very good relationship. I’d still love to work with her in the future,” the actor said.

Affleck and Garner were married from 2005 to 2018 and have three children together.

‘Animals’ is scheduled to premiere on October 9 this year.

Photo: Netflix