Spielberg Allegedly Refuses to Work with Affleck

Steven Spielberg and Ben Affleck were once expected to collaborate professionally. However, an awkward pool party incident reportedly ended any chance of working together. Director Mike Binder shared the story during a recent podcast, claiming that the feud arose in the 2000s after an uncomfortable encounter involving Spielberg’s son.

Fallout from a Family Incident

Binder said the alleged incident impacted Spielberg’s planned involvement in the 2006 film Man About Town, which later struggled at the box office. Social media users quickly debated the story, with many defending Affleck. One commenter asked, “Why would he not have reprimanded his son instead of hating on Ben? I am 100% on Ben’s side.”

The Film Project

Binder recalled that Spielberg initially praised his 2005 film The Upside of Anger and wanted to work with him. Spielberg expressed interest in directing and producing Man About Town through DreamWorks. However, upon learning Affleck would star, Spielberg allegedly withdrew entirely. He reportedly told Binder, “No. Can’t do it with him.”

The Pool Party Allegation

According to Binder, Spielberg claimed that Affleck mistreated his son during a family gathering while dating Spielberg’s goddaughter, Gwyneth Paltrow. Spielberg allegedly explained:

“My son was a little boy, playing in the pool. He got out, and Ben came in fully dressed. My son pushed Ben into the water. Ben got mad, threw my son back in, and made him cry. I just don’t like to work with him. Plus, his last two movies bombed. Find somebody else. Anyone but him. He’s cold as hell.”

Binder added that Affleck confronted him about the reason for Spielberg’s withdrawal, asking if the pool incident was the cause.

Public Reaction

Many social media users criticized Spielberg’s handling of the incident, questioning his parenting and judgment. Others found the situation humorous, joking that any child who pushes a fully clothed adult into a pool deserves a lesson in return.

Years Later

Despite the controversy, Binder directed the film with Affleck in the lead role, and Lionsgate produced it. In 2013, Affleck’s Argo won Best Picture at the Academy Awards, beating Spielberg’s Lincoln. Binder reflected on the entire situation, saying:

“I love both these guys, and they’re both smarter than me, but they both kinda acted like idiots, and so did I. They were great guys, but at the same time, a**holes.”