In a recent conversation, Ben Affleck opened up about his feelings regarding the infamous 2003 film “Gigli,” which he starred in alongside Jennifer Lopez.
Known as one of the most notorious box office failures, Affleck described it as perhaps the “most famous bomb in history.”
During an interview with Deadline, he shared insights into how this project still weighs on him, particularly when he thinks about the financial losses incurred by others involved in its production.
Affleck, now 52, was speaking with his longtime collaborator Matt Damon, 54, about their production company, Artists’ Equity.
The discussion ventured into the often contentious topic of pay disparities in the film industry.
Using “Gigli” as a case study, Affleck reflected on his own experience, acknowledging that while he received a substantial payday for the film, it felt unjust in hindsight given the overall failure of the project.
“It doesn’t feel right looking back,” Affleck admitted.
“They lost money, and while it wasn’t the largest financial flop ever, it certainly holds the title for being the most recognizable.”
He emphasized that the film’s poor performance didn’t just affect the bottom line; it also affected the morale of everyone involved.
“When you consider the sacrifices made by the cast and crew, it creates a sense of imbalance.”
Affleck pointed out a recurring issue in Hollywood: the disparity in compensation among those who contribute to a film’s success or failure.
He lamented the situation where a movie could earn hundreds of millions while those who worked on it see little to no financial reward.
This prompted him to advocate for fairness in pay structures within the industry.
He explained that Artists’ Equity aims to address these inequities by ensuring that all stakeholders receive fair compensation, regardless of the project’s outcome.
“Matt and I are committed to creating deals that everyone can accept, whether the film succeeds or not,” he stated, underscoring the importance of equitable treatment in filmmaking.
Their latest endeavor, “Small Things Like These,” featuring Cillian Murphy, showcases this philosophy in action.
Additionally, the duo is working on “Unstoppable,” a sports drama starring Lopez, which has garnered attention for its promising storyline and performances.
Affleck praised Lopez’s work in the film, describing her as “terrific” and expressing pride in the project.
Interestingly, the premiere of “Unstoppable” occurred shortly after news broke of Affleck and Lopez’s divorce, which added an unexpected layer to the event.
While Lopez and Damon attended the Toronto International Film Festival to support the film, Affleck was notably absent, stirring speculation among fans and media alike.
“Gigli,” directed by Martin Brest, has become synonymous with cinematic failure.
Despite its dismal reviews and box office performance, Affleck reflected on the film with a mix of regret and nostalgia.
He recalled how the studio’s desire to capitalize on his relationship with Lopez at the time led to misguided expectations for the film’s success.
Back in 2022, Affleck candidly described “Gigli” as a “disaster,” acknowledging that very few people actually saw it.
He humorously compared its mismatched elements to a “horse’s head in a cow’s body,” highlighting the film’s chaotic nature.