Why Spielberg Refused to Work With Ben Affleck
A decades-old grudge between Steven Spielberg and Ben Affleck nearly derailed a major film project. Discover the surprising story behind their ongoing rift and what really happened poolside in Spain.
Steven Spielberg and Ben Affleck’s long-standing tension once threatened to sink Mike Binder’s thriller, Man About Town, before it even got off the ground. Binder recently recounted the odd tale behind their falling out during a chat on Stephen Baldwin’s podcast, sharing how a poolside incident years ago left a lasting mark.
Spielberg, a big fan of Binder’s 2005 film The Upside of Anger, was initially keen to team up for Binder’s next project. The two spent months tossing around ideas, with Spielberg set to direct and produce through DreamWorks. But as things progressed, Spielberg decided to step back from directing, though he still planned to produce. Around the same time, Affleck, having enjoyed The Upside of Anger, expressed interest in starring in Binder’s new film.
Poolside Drama and a Personal Grudge
Binder explained that Affleck was on board, even knowing Spielberg would be involved. But when Binder brought Affleck’s name to Spielberg, the director was quick to shut it down. Spielberg reportedly said,
“No, can’t do it with him. We just bombed with a film with him. He’s got that whole JLo thing going on now, and I have other problems with him.”
Binder then heard the story that sparked the rift. Years earlier, while Affleck was dating Spielberg’s goddaughter Gwyneth Paltrow, they all went on a trip to Spain. Spielberg’s young son was playing in the pool when Affleck, fully clothed, was pushed in by the boy. Affleck, apparently annoyed, got out, picked up the child, and tossed him back in, making the boy cry. Spielberg told Binder,
“I just don’t like to work with him. Plus, his last two films bombed. He’s cold as hell.”
Binder admitted he respected Spielberg but thought the whole thing was a bit childish. Even Baldwin was taken aback by the story.
DreamWorks Walks Away
Eventually, Binder had to let Affleck’s agent know he was out. Affleck rang Binder, asking,
“Did Steven Spielberg tell you I threw his kid in the water? Is that why I’m not on your film?”
Binder then called Spielberg, pushing for Affleck to be cast. Spielberg seemed to give in, but not for long. Soon after, Spielberg’s agent called Binder to say DreamWorks was pulling out. Without their backing, the project was nearly scrapped, until Lionsgate picked it up and released it straight to DVD.
Binder later shared that Affleck and Spielberg managed to move past their differences, especially after Affleck’s Argo took home the Oscar over Spielberg’s Lincoln. Binder joked with Affleck that he could probably get away with tossing Spielberg’s whole family in the pool now.
Clashing Views on Streaming
The pair’s disagreements didn’t end there. In 2019, Spielberg spoke out against Netflix films being eligible for Oscars, arguing they should be up for Emmys instead. Affleck, on the other hand, backed streaming, saying it was shaping the future of cinema and distribution. He told one interviewer,
“To do a film for Netflix is no different from doing a film anywhere else. We’re just trying to do our job.”
He added that films would survive, and people were working out what that would look like.
With such different perspectives and a history of personal clashes, it’s unlikely these two will be working together any time soon. Man About Town is currently available to stream on Fubo and Starz with AppleTV.