Ben Affleck has been announced as the star of the Netflix thriller 'Animals' after his friend and partner Matt Damon withdrew from production to participate in the upcoming Christopher Nolan film, 'The Oddysey,' as reported by Variety. Affleck will also direct this project, marking his return as a director after his last film released in 2023, 'Air,' which featured Damon and focused on the story of Nike shoes.
The filming of 'Animals' is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in April. Meanwhile, Nolan's film will begin shooting in February at various international locations. Although the plot of 'Animals' remains under wraps, it is known to be a police story that follows a mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped.
Despite Damon's exit as the lead in the film, the 'Good Will Hunting' actor will continue to be an important part of the project as a producer through Artists Equity, the production company he leads alongside Affleck. The script will be handled by Billy Ray ('Captain Phillips' and 'The Hunger Games') and Connor McIntyre.
In Affleck's words: "I am excited to work on such an intriguing project both in front of and behind the camera. 'Animals' promises to be an exciting thriller, and I am eager to bring this story to life on screen."
