Matt Damon will no longer star in the upcoming Netflix thriller Animals, a role he was originally set to lead and produce. The 54-year-old actor has exited the project due to scheduling conflicts.
Damon’s departure paves the way for his longtime friend and collaborator, Ben Affleck, to step into the leading role, while also retaining his initial role as director. Joining Affleck in the film is acclaimed actress Gillian Anderson, who has been added to the cast.
Details regarding the film’s plot remain scarce, though it has been confirmed that the story revolves around a kidnapping. The movie will be produced by Damon and Affleck under their Artists Equity banner, alongside producer Dani Bernfeld. The screenplay is penned by Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray.
Filming is set to begin in Los Angeles in April, marking the start of what promises to be an intense production.
Damon’s exit comes as he prepares to join the star-studded cast of The Odyssey, the upcoming Christopher Nolan-directed film. The highly anticipated project is set to shoot across various international locations, leading to his scheduling conflict with Animals.
Meanwhile, fans of the duo can look forward to their upcoming Netflix crime thriller RIP, which is set to debut this summer.
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