Ben Affleck Reflects on the Legacy of ‘Gigli’: A Career Misstep

Ben Affleck is taking a candid look back at one of the most infamous films in Hollywood history—2003’s “Gigli.”

During a recent interview with Deadline, the Oscar-winning actor shared his thoughts on why the film, which he starred in alongside Jennifer Lopez, still doesn’t sit well with him.

Affleck, now 52, described “Gigli” as the “most famous bomb in history,” a label that has followed the film since its disastrous release.

In a conversation about the film industry and the dynamics of pay structures, Affleck pointed to “Gigli” as a case study.

He recalled receiving a significant payday for his role in the movie, but upon reflection, he feels uneasy about it.

“It doesn’t feel right in retrospect because they lost money,” he explained, acknowledging the film’s failure to connect with audiences and critics alike.

Despite its notoriety, Affleck noted that “Gigli” isn’t the biggest financial disaster ever; rather, it’s simply the most talked-about flop.

“That doesn’t sit right with me,” he admitted, emphasizing the unfairness felt by those involved in the production.

He highlighted a common frustration in the industry: the disparity between what actors earn and what the broader team receives, especially when a project fails to deliver.

Affleck and his longtime collaborator, Matt Damon, are committed to changing this narrative through their production company, Artists’ Equity.

He stressed the importance of fairness, stating that everyone involved in a project should have a stake in its success or failure.

“It’s a basic fundamental principle that we’re really drawn to,” he said, underscoring their mission to create equitable deals for all creatives.

Their latest venture, “Small Things Like These,” features Cillian Murphy, while another anticipated project, “Unstoppable,” stars none other than Lopez.

Affleck praised Lopez’s performance in “Unstoppable,” calling her “terrific.”

This acknowledgment comes amid ongoing divorce negotiations following Lopez’s filing to end their two-year marriage in August.

The premiere of “Unstoppable” at the Toronto International Film Festival marked a significant moment for the couple, as Lopez and Damon attended, but Affleck was notably absent.

This absence raised eyebrows, especially considering the backdrop of their recent split.

Looking back at “Gigli,” Affleck acknowledged that despite its poor reception, the film holds a special place in his heart due to his relationship with Lopez.

The film, directed by Martin Brest and also featuring Justin Bartha and Christopher Walken, was met with scathing reviews upon its release, and its box office performance was dismal.

In a previous interview, Affleck described “Gigli” as a “famous bomb” but pointed out that very few actually saw it.

He humorously likened the film to “a sort of horse’s head in a cow’s body,” illustrating the confusion surrounding its premise.

He recounted how the studio, eager to capitalize on his burgeoning romance with Lopez, pushed for a romantic comedy that ultimately failed to resonate.

Reflecting on his career, Affleck’s comments reveal a desire for growth and a more equitable industry.

As he continues to navigate the complexities of Hollywood, his focus remains on ensuring that all voices are heard and compensated fairly.