Binder recently shared the story on One Bad Movie, explaining that after Spielberg admired his film The Upside of Anger, the legendary director encouraged him to write something they could do together. Binder says the idea was partly inspired by a frightening real-life incident at Spielberg’s home, when an intruder allegedly planned to harm the director.
At first, everything seemed to line up. The project was set up at Spielberg’s studio, DreamWorks, and Spielberg was expected to direct. When Spielberg later decided not to helm the film himself, he still wanted it made at the studio with Binder directing.
That’s when Affleck entered the picture. Binder met the actor, who was eager to work with him and agreed to star in the movie, which would later become Man About Town.
According to Binder, Spielberg shut that idea down immediately. He claims Spielberg told him he didn’t want to work with Affleck due to recent box office failures, tabloid drama surrounding Jennifer Lopez, and a personal grudge dating back to a family vacation. Binder alleges Spielberg said Affleck once got into a heated moment with his young son at a pool, an incident that left a lasting bad impression.
Binder said he didn’t see how the story was relevant, but ultimately went along with Spielberg’s wishes. When Binder broke the news to Affleck’s team, Affleck reportedly guessed the reason right away and called Binder to confirm it.
Despite the tension, Binder still wanted Affleck for the role and told Spielberg he planned to move forward with him anyway. Spielberg didn’t object — but the very next day, DreamWorks dropped the project. Binder took the film elsewhere, and it was eventually released by Lionsgate.
Binder is blunt about the final result. He admits the movie didn’t turn out well and was sent straight to DVD, though he maintains that Affleck gave a strong performance despite the circumstances.
Years later, Binder watched Affleck win Best Picture at the 2013 Oscars for Argo, beating Spielberg’s Lincoln. Seeing the two men hug onstage, Binder texted Affleck a joke about finally being able to “throw Spielberg’s whole family in the pool.” Affleck, Binder says, found it hilarious.
Looking back, Binder says there are no villains — just flawed people. He described both Spielberg and Affleck as talented, generous, and occasionally difficult, adding that everyone involved, including himself, handled parts of the situation poorly.
In the end, Binder says the experience taught him a simple lesson: even geniuses and movie stars are human, complete with grudges, egos, and moments they might wish they’d handled differently.
Tags:
News
