Ben Affleck has had a successful career in Hollywood, having acted, written, and directed several critically acclaimed projects and blockbuster films.

In 2019, he starred in the heist action film Triple Frontier directed by J.C Chandor alongside actors Oscar Isaac and Pedro Pascal.

However, the backstory leading to the production of the film and Affleck’s involvement was an interesting one.

Triple Frontier was in the works for almost a decade before its release.

Kathryn Bigelow, an Oscar winner and The Hurt Locker director, was originally set to direct the film when the script was finalized in 2009.

At the time of casting, Ben Affleck was not even in contention to be part of the film.

Among several A-listers who were shortlisted including Javier Bardem and Denzel Washington, Will Smith, and Leonardo DiCaprio, another Oscar winner, Tom Hanks, was also considered for one of the five lead roles.

However, Hanks ultimately did not confirm his participation in the film.

While the exact reasons for his absence or the details of the role he was to play were never officially known, many felt that the Philadelphia actor may not have convinced audiences by playing a morally grey character for which he was allegedly considered.

Ben Affleck was then roped in to play one of the five leads in the film.

However, according to reports, he did not replace Tom Hanks for the same role.

Kathryn Bigelow too finally stepped down from directing the film as she was reportedly tied up with writing the script of Zero Dark Thirty.

In an exciting announcement, Ben Affleck will reunite on screen with his wife Jennifer Lopez in the film Unstoppable, 20 years after their last film together, Gigli.

The sports drama focuses on the real-life story of Anthony Robles, an athlete born with only one leg who still managed to win the national championship at Arizona State University.

The Argo star was all praise for the Latina singer-actor for her involvement and said, “I think she’s terrific.

I think she’s a great actor.

It’s always exciting to work with her.”

Unstoppable will be directed by William Goldenberg, who makes his directorial debut after editing several of Affleck’s films, including Argo and Live by Night.

Despite their last film not performing well at the box office, audiences will be eager to witness Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s chemistry on screen once again.

It is interesting to note that Tom Hanks was also reportedly considered for another high-profile movie that he ultimately did not participate in.

He, along with actors Tom Hardy and Channing Tatum, lost the opportunity to star in a $115 million movie that chose Oscar Isaac and Ben Affleck as leads instead.

Ben Affleck’s successful career in Hollywood has seen him become one of the most bankable stars in the industry.

His involvement in Triple Frontier and the upcoming Unstoppable along with his wife Jennifer Lopez has created excitement among fans and audiences.

Although Tom Hanks did not confirm his participation in Triple Frontier, it remains to be seen if he will collaborate with Affleck and other prominent actors in future projects.