Ben Affleck’s Crime Thriller “Animals” Reunites with a Familiar Face

Ben Affleck’s gripping crime thriller Animals is making a comeback, this time featuring a new star that’s quite familiar to the filmmaker—himself.

Project History and Changes

Initially, Matt Damon was set to lead the cast of Animals, with Affleck directing, during its production by Netflix and Artists Equity last year. However, the project faced challenges due to script issues, which have since been resolved. In the interim, Damon has committed to a smaller film titled The Odyssey, directed by the rising talent Christopher Nolan. The Odyssey is scheduled to begin principal photography later this month, with filming taking place in various international locations.

Revival of the Project

The project has been revived, with Affleck remaining in the director’s chair and now taking on a starring role as well. Joining him is Gillian Anderson, known for her iconic role in The X-Files and her recent portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in Netflix’s The Crown.

Production Plans

As previously planned, the film aims to shoot in Los Angeles, with an anticipated start date in April.

Plot Overview

Written by Connor McIntyre and revised by Billy Ray, this crime thriller revolves around a mayoral candidate and his wife whose son is kidnapped. Faced with numerous adversaries, both political and personal, the couple must resort to desperate measures to rescue their child.

Production Team

Affleck and Damon will produce through their company Artists Equity, alongside Dani Bernfeld. Additional producers include Brad Weston and Collin Creighton from MakeReady. The production, sales, and distribution company Fifth Season, formerly known as Endeavor Content, will also be involved, having developed the project in collaboration with MakeReady.

Executive Producers

Executive producers from Artists Equity include Michael Joe, Kevin Halloran, and Lucy Damon, alongside Fifth Season.

Affleck’s Dual Role Expertise

Affleck has a proven track record of successfully balancing directing and acting, having done so in acclaimed films like The Town and Argo, which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2013, as well as Live by Night in 2016. His most recent directorial effort was Air in 2023, where he shared the screen with Damon. Affleck is represented by WME and Ziffren Brittenham.

Anderson’s Upcoming Projects

Gillian Anderson will soon grace the big screen in Tron: Ares, set to release on October 10, and is part of the ensemble cast for The Abandons, a Western series by Kurt Sutter on Netflix. She is represented by UTA and Independent Talent Group.

Persons

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Gillian Anderson, Christopher Nolan, Connor McIntyre, Billy Ray, Dani Bernfeld, Brad Weston, Collin Creighton, Michael Joe, Kevin Halloran, Lucy Damon, Kurt Sutter

Company Names

Netflix, Artists Equity, MakeReady, Fifth Season, WME, Ziffren Brittenham, UTA, Independent Talent Group

Titles

Animals, The Odyssey, The Crown, Tron: Ares, The Abandons, Air, The Town, Argo, Live by Night

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