Steven Spielberg once declined to work on a film that involved Ben Affleck, a decision that, according to a recent podcast account, stemmed from personal and professional concerns rather than scheduling conflicts.
The story resurfaced during an appearance by director Mike Binder on Stephen Baldwin’s One Bad Movie podcast. Binder recalled that while developing the 2006 film Man About Town, Affleck had already been attached to star in the project. When Binder approached Spielberg about getting involved, the legendary filmmaker reportedly turned down the opportunity outright after learning Affleck was part of the cast.
According to Binder, Spielberg made it clear that working with Affleck was not an option. He allegedly cited recent box office disappointments linked to the actor, as well as distractions surrounding Affleck’s highly publicized relationship with Jennifer Lopez at the time. Spielberg also referenced a personal incident that left a lasting impression and further solidified his decision to step away from the project.
Binder recounted that Spielberg described an encounter involving his young son and Affleck at a pool. In Spielberg’s version of events, his son had pushed Affleck into the pool while playing. Affleck, who was reportedly fully dressed, reacted angrily and picked the child up, throwing him back into the water and causing him to cry. Spielberg allegedly told Binder that the incident contributed to his reluctance to collaborate with the actor.
Ultimately, Spielberg declined to participate in Man About Town, advising Binder to cast someone else in the lead role. When Binder later informed Affleck that the project was on hold, the actor reportedly suspected the real reason behind Spielberg’s withdrawal. According to Binder, Affleck directly asked whether the pool incident was the cause of Spielberg’s refusal.
Neither Spielberg nor Affleck has publicly commented on the story, and their representatives did not respond to media requests. While the film moved forward without Spielberg’s involvement, the anecdote offers a rare glimpse into how personal dynamics and reputation can influence creative decisions in Hollywood, even at the highest levels of the industry.
