Matt Damon drops out of Ben Affleck’s next movie, Animals

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Ben Affleck is moving forward without Matt Damon for his next project, Animals.

The film, a Netflix exclusive, is a thriller hinging on a pivotal kidnapping. Who gets kidnapped and when? It won’t be Matt Damon, who was originally set to star.

Due to scheduling conflicts with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, which releases July 17, 2026, Affleck’s long-time collaborator and friend had to step down.

Damon will stay on as a producer on Animals through his Artists Equity banner, alongside Affleck. The latter not only directs the film but stars in it as well. To fill the void left by Damon, Affleck has reportedly added Emmy-winning Sex Education actor Gillian Anderson to the cast.

Animals is written by Billy Ray, who previously penned Captain Phillips and Secret in Their Eyes, along with Connor McIntyre. Once the script is finished, Affleck will begin shooting the film in Los Angeles.

The original plan was for Affleck to direct Animals last year, but a legal issue got in the way. According to Deadline, “a holdup with the rights delayed the start of production, and Affleck ultimately had to move on to a sequel to The Accountant with Animals pushing.”

The Accountant 2 will release on Netflix on 25 April 2025, and sees Affleck’s autistic money launderer for the world’s most lethal mob bosses team up with his brother Brax (John Bernthal) to track down mysterious assassins.

Those hungry for an Affleck/Damon team up will still get what they want with RIP, an upcoming Netflix crime thriller from writer-director Joe Carnahan (Narc, Smokin’ Aces).

What is RIP About?

“Upon discovering millions in cash in a derelict stash house,” reads Netflix’s synopsis, “trust among a team of Miami cops begins to fray. As outside forces learn about the size of the seizure, everything is called into question — including who they can rely on.”

RIP also features are Steven Yeun, Kyle Chandler, Teyana Taylor, and Sasha Calle.