The 2003 film Gigli remains a dark mark on Ben Affleck’s career. Under the direction of Martin Brest, the movie cast Affleck alongside then-fiancée Jennifer Lopez in a crime-comedy that received widespread criticism from both reviewers and viewers. The film’s intricate yet confusing plot, stilted dialogue, and forced chemistry between the leads led to its failure at the box office.
Gigli gained infamy as one of the most poorly received films in cinematic history and served as a pivotal moment in Affleck’s career, prompting him to reassess his choices and eventually embark on a successful path as a respected actor and director in critically acclaimed productions.
Ben Affleck Opens Up About Gigli Role
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ben Affleck exhibited a determined outlook as he sought the silver lining in his Gigli role.
“If the reaction to Gigli hadn’t happened, I probably wouldn’t have ultimately decided, ‘I don’t really have any other avenue but to direct movies,’ which has turned out to be the real love of my professional life … So in those ways, it’s a gift.”
Numerous film productions have undergone subsequent modifications due to factors beyond the director’s influence, and Gigli was unquestionably one such case. According to Martin Brest, Sony presented him with a significant decision to make concerning the movie.
Ultimately, Gigli might not leave a lasting legacy in cinema, but it did mark the beginning of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s relationship—despite subsequent break-ups and multiple marriages—culminating in their 2022 reunion. Moreover, it ignited Affleck’s interest in directing, a venture that has become a resounding success in his career. Sometimes, it seems, everything unfolds as it should.
Ben Affleck Also Doesn’t Like His Version Of Daredevil
In the 2003 film Daredevil, Ben Affleck took on the lead role as the superhero, sharing the screen with his former spouse Jennifer Garner, cast as Elektra Natchios. The movie also featured notable actors Colin Farrell and Michael Clarke Duncan, whose mere presence guaranteed strong box office performance.
When Affleck reflects on his experience with Daredevil, he can’t help but feel a sense of cringe-worthy embarrassment and remorse for the project he worked on alongside his ex-wife. In an interview with Playboy magazine (as reported by IndieWire), the actor candidly shared:
“The only movie I actually regret is Daredevil. It just kills me. I love that story, that character, and the fact that it got f—ked up the way it did stays with me. Maybe that’s part of the motivation to do Batman.”
Even devoted fans had reservations when Affleck took on the role of Batman, fearing he might repeat past missteps. However, the actor firmly stood by his choice and clarified that he fully understood the commitment he had made.
Gigli can be streamed on Prime Video.
Source: EW
