Ben Affleck Leads Netflix's ‘Animals’ After Matt Damon Exit, Gillian Anderson Joins Cast

Ben Affleck will star in and direct a new Netflix crime thriller called Animals. He is taking over the lead role from Matt Damon, who had to drop out because of scheduling conflicts with Christopher Nolan's movie The Odyssey. Damon will still be involved as a producer along with Affleck and Dani Bernfeld through their studio, Artists Equity. Gillian Anderson also joined the  cast along with these two.

A Gripping Thriller About Power and Kidnapping

The story of Animals follows a mayoral candidate and his wife as they try to save their kidnapped son. They face political and personal enemies along the way. As they fight for their family, they become caught in a web of lies and struggles for power.

Production and Release Details

“Animals” plans to start filming in Los Angeles this April, according to Deadline, which first shared the news about casting changes. Billy Ray, who won an Oscar for “Captain Phillips,” is writing the screenplay with Connor McIntyre.

Although Matt Damon won’t act in “Animals,” he will stay involved as a producer with Ben Affleck through their company, Artists Equity, along with executive Dani Bernfeld. Additional producers include Brad Weston and Collin Creighton from MakeReady, who developed the project with Fifth Season. Michael Joe, Kevin Halloran, and Lucy Damon from Artists Equity will also serve as executive producers.

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