Animals

Animals is an upcoming crime thriller directed by Ben Affleck, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray. The film is produced by Artists Equity, the artist-led studio founded by Affleck, Matt Damon, and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital, in partnership with Netflix. Damon was originally attached to star but dropped out, with Affleck stepping into the lead role. The story follows an LA mayoral candidate and his wife who are thrust into a nightmare when their son is kidnapped. As they scramble to raise the ransom, the choices they make under pressure threaten to tear their world apart. Affleck stars alongside Gillian Anderson, Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, and Ray Fisher, with Luis Gerardo Mendez, Adriana Paz, Mark Kassen, and Christopher Woodley rounding out the cast. Principal photography began on March 7, 2025, in Los Angeles, with filming wrapping around April 16, 2025, making for a tight six-week shoot. The production embraced LA as an integral part of the story, using the city's sprawling geography and socioeconomic contrasts as a backdrop for the political thriller. Affleck was spotted filming pivotal scenes across various Los Angeles locations during the spring shoot. The film marks Affleck's return to directing after a string of acclaimed work behind the camera including Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and Argo, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. No release date has been announced, but a 2026 debut on Netflix is expected.