Ben Affleck to lead and direct a new Netflix thriller film ‘Animals’

• Affleck takes on dual roles in "Animals", directing and starring.
• The film, produced by Artists Equity, is set to focus on a kidnapping.
• Affleck will direct from a script by Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray.

Ben Affleck is taking on dual roles in his upcoming Netflix thriller “Animals”, both directing and starring in the film. Produced under his Artists Equity banner, the highly anticipated project also stars Emmy-winning actress Gillian Anderson, bringing additional star power to the production.

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, “Animals” is confirmed to focus on a kidnapping. Affleck will direct the film from a script written by Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray, with shooting set to begin in Los Angeles.

Affleck initially planned to direct “Animals” with Matt Damon attached as the lead. However, production delays caused by rights issues shifted Affleck's focus to “The Accountant” sequel. When Damon became unavailable due to his commitment to Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”, Affleck stepped in as the film's leading man.

Affleck, Damon, and Dani Bernfeld will produce “Animals” through their Artists Equity studio, alongside Brad Weston and Collin Creighton from Makeready, who developed the project in partnership with Fifth Season. Additionally, Michael Joe, Kevin Halloran, and Lucy Damon from Artists Equity will serve as executive producers.

Anderson, best known for her Emmy-winning role in Netflix’s “Sex Education”, strengthens her relationship with the streaming giant by joining “Animals”. Her involvement elevates the film’s prestige and increases anticipation.

With Affleck now leading the film both on and off the screen, “Animals” is set to move forward quickly, and the rest of the cast will be announced soon. The project marks another major collaboration between Affleck and Netflix following his upcoming crime thriller “RIP”, co-starring Damon. As excitement builds, “Animals” is shaping up to be one of the year’s most highly anticipated thrillers.

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