Ben Affleck is speaking openly about his two famous ex-wives, defending Jennifer Lopez’s acting talent while revealing that he still hopes to work with Jennifer Garner again. In an October 7 interview with Variety, the Oscar-winning actor discussed Lopez’s performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman and questioned why her acclaimed work, including her role in Hustlers, had failed to earn an Oscar nomination. “I’m biased. I have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for what she can do,” Affleck said, making his admiration clear despite their divorce. Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024, but their professional relationship continued through Affleck’s production company, Artists Equity, which helped bring the musical film to the screen. Affleck also explained that awards do not always reflect an actor’s true abilities, since judging performances is subjective. Meanwhile, his latest film, the Netflix thriller Animals, brought another former relationship into focus. Affleck had initially hoped Jennifer Garner would star opposite Matt Damon, but unexpected production changes complicated those plans.

Affleck explained that Garner had seemed ideal for the role of a therapist whose marriage deteriorates amid a family crisis. Working together might also have helped the former couple coordinate their schedules while raising their children. However, production was postponed after Affleck became concerned that Animals might be compared with Spike Lee’s kidnapping thriller Highest 2 Lowest. When filming eventually moved forward, Damon was unavailable, so Affleck took over the lead role himself. That created an awkward situation: he would be playing Garner’s husband in a troubled marriage, potentially inviting comparisons with their real-life history. Garner ultimately decided not to participate, and Kerry Washington joined the project instead. Affleck supported Garner’s decision, calling her wise, but made clear that he still wants to collaborate with her someday. “And I still want to find something to do with her,” he told Variety. He has also described Garner as a good friend and praised their relationship as co-parents. His comments reveal that, although his marriages to Lopez and Garner ended differently, he continues to respect both women and their professional abilities. For Affleck, a future reunion with Garner remains possible—as long as the right project allows the story to take center stage.