The Evolution of “Animals”
“Animals” didn’t start out the way it ended up. During development, Jennifer Garner was cast early on, with Ben Affleck set to direct. Affleck only joined as the lead actor later in the process, which brought up the idea of the two appearing on screen together for the first time since their divorce.
Why Affleck and Garner Stepped Back
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Affleck described how tempting it was to work with Garner again—not just for the project, but for their family life as well. “I thought, ‘God, Jen Garner would be amazing for this role,'” he said. “It also has the added benefit of, like, both of us would see our kids more because we do a week and a week and back and forth … She can bring something interesting that she hasn't (done), that I kind of know she can do, that I don't think she had a chance to do in one movie.”
But when Affleck stepped in to act and the idea of co-starring as a couple became real, they reconsidered. Affleck recalled, “I talked to Jen, and she was like, ‘We don't want to do that. You just get baggage.' … I would love to work with her, frankly … She's fabulous, and we're really good friends, and I'm profoundly grateful to her, and we have a great thing. I still would want to work with her in the future, but what you don't want to do is take the audience's baggage and have it work against you, you know?”
The Casting Journey
Originally, the film was slated to star Garner and Matt Damon as a married couple caught up in a kidnapping plot. After Affleck learned that Spike Lee was developing a kidnap thriller called “Highest 2 Lowest,” he put his project on hold. When he picked it back up, Damon had to step away due to scheduling conflicts with “The Odyssey,” which led Affleck to take on the lead role. After that, Affleck and Garner briefly considered acting together, before ultimately deciding against it. Garner eventually left the project.
The Final Cast and Premiere
With Garner out, her role went to Kerry Washington. The film’s cast also includes Gillian Anderson, Steven Yeun, Luis Gerardo Méndez, and Adriana Paz. “Animals” is scheduled for limited theatrical release before landing on Netflix on October 9.
Affleck and Garner’s on-screen reunion didn’t happen this time, but Affleck emphasized that the choice was made thoughtfully, with consideration for their personal and professional lives—and the audience. For now, “Animals” moves forward with a new cast and story, free of any off-screen baggage.
