Titanic Filmmaker Steven Spielberg refused to work with Ben Affleck on a film project according to Hollywood screenwriter and director Mike Binder.
Binder spoke about his recent appearance on A bad movie podcast on the tension between Batman star and Spielberg.
The 67-year-old revealed the man behind Titanic had initially been interested in making his 2006 satire Man of the world.
The film was intended to be a DreamWorks production.
But Spielberg reportedly backed out after Binder suggested Affleck for the lead role.
Binder recalls, “Steven said, ‘No. I can’t do it with him. We just bombed a movie with him, he’s got this whole J.Lo thing going on right now, and I have other problems with him.'”
THE Reign over me The manager cited professional concerns and a personal dispute dating back to a family pool party.
According to Binder, Spielberg referenced an incident in which Affleck allegedly threw Spielberg’s young son into a swimming pool after being pushed himself, which left the child in tears.
Spielberg reportedly told Binder that he did not want to work with Affleck, whom he called “cold.”
Binder said Affleck knew the reason for Spielberg’s refusal.
“Ben calls me and asks, ‘Did Steven Spielberg tell you I threw his child into the water?’ Is that why I’m not in your movie?” Binder said.
Despite Spielberg’s withdrawal, Affleck continued to star in Man of the worldreleased in 2007 by Sunlight Productions.
The tension seems to ease years later.
At the 2013 Oscars, Affleck Argo won the best film award, beating Spielberg’s Lincoln.
The two were seen kissing on stage.
Binder then joked to Affleck: “Tonight you could throw Spielberg’s whole family in the pool and get away with it.”
Binder described Spielberg and Affleck as “great guys” but admitted egos and misunderstandings played a role.
“Steven Spielberg is a genius and a great guy, but he can be an asshole. And Ben Affleck is a great guy, and he can be a bigger asshole,” he said.
