Ben Affleck explains Jennifer Garner's exit from ‘Animals’

Ben Affleck has revealed why Jennifer Garner did not join the cast of his upcoming Netflix thriller, ‘Animals’. Originally, the project was set to star Matt Damon, with Garner intended to play the role of his wife. Affleck noted that casting Garner would have offered a practical benefit for their co-parenting arrangement, allowing them to coordinate schedules more easily around their children.

However, following production delays, Damon became unavailable due to commitments to ‘The Odyssey’, leading Affleck to take over the lead role. This change meant Affleck would be playing Garner’s on-screen husband in a story centered on a tense marriage. Affleck and Garner mutually decided against the pairing to avoid ‘baggage’, fearing the public’s awareness of their real-life history would distract from the film.

Kerry Washington has taken over the role of Abigail. ‘Animals’ follows a Los Angeles mayoral candidate and his wife as they navigate a kidnapping and marital secrets. The film is scheduled to arrive on Netflix on October 9, 2026.