Ben Affleck to Star and Direct Netflix Thriller 'Animals' After Matt Damon Exits

The crime thriller, centered on a high-stakes kidnapping, is set to begin production in Los Angeles this spring, with Gillian Anderson joining the cast.

• Ben Affleck will star in and direct the Netflix crime thriller 'Animals,' stepping into the lead role originally intended for Matt Damon, who exited due to scheduling conflicts.
• The film's plot follows a mayoral candidate and his wife as they navigate the kidnapping of their son, forcing them into morally complex decisions.
• Gillian Anderson, known for her roles in 'The X-Files' and 'The Crown,' has been cast as the female lead in the project.
• The screenplay is written by Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray, noted for their work on 'Captain Phillips' and 'The Hunger Games.'
• Production is scheduled to start in April 2025 in Los Angeles, with Affleck and Damon producing through their Artists Equity banner.

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