Following “Air”, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have decided to reunite, again, on the kidnapping thriller “Animals,” with Damon starring and Affleck directing. Netflix will be overseeing the entire project.
Connor McIntyre wrote the script with revisions by the always-reliable Billy Ray. Plot details are being kept hush hush at the moment, but all we know is that the story is said to revolve around a kidnapping. Additional casting details will surely be coming in the next few weeks.
Affleck was, supposedly, weighing in on a few different options for his next directing gig, but ultimately settled for “Animals.” The plan is for Affleck to direct it in the Spring. Affleck is also supposed to star in Gavin O’Connor’s “The Accountant” sequel, which has now had its production pushed to the fall.
Although I wouldn’t call myself a total fan of his work, Affleck in the director’s chair is always an interesting proposition. He’s directed four fairly well-reviewed films (“The Town,” “Gone Baby Gone,” “Air”), including a Best Picture winner (“Argo”) and only one misfire (“Live By Night”). He’s not interested in directing IP, but rather adult-oriented dramas. No point in complaining about that.