Steven Spielberg declined Ben Affleck collaboration over past dispute

Steven Spielberg once declined to work with Ben Affleck on a film due in part to a personal dispute dating back years, according to screenwriter Mike Binder.

Binder said on the One Bad Movie podcast that Spielberg was initially attached to direct the 2006 film Man About Town, which Binder developed for DreamWorks. Spielberg later stepped away from directing but supported Binder taking the role himself.

The situation changed when Binder proposed Affleck for the lead.

“I called Steven,” Binder said. “He said, ‘No. Can’t do it with him.’”

Binder claimed Spielberg cited both professional and personal reasons, including Affleck’s recent box-office setbacks at the time and what he described as a lingering issue from a family vacation.

According to Binder, Spielberg said the incident occurred while Affleck was dating his goddaughter Gwyneth Paltrow. 

Spielberg alleged that Affleck became angry after being pushed into a pool by Spielberg’s young son and reacted by throwing the child back into the water.

Binder said Spielberg told him: “I just don’t like to work with him.”

When Affleck learned he was no longer being considered, Binder said the actor called him directly and referenced the alleged incident.

Affleck has not publicly commented on the claim. Spielberg has also not addressed Binder’s account.

Man About Town was ultimately released in 2006 with a different cast.