The Unspoken Rules of Hollywood Romances Ben Affleck's decision to cast himself in "Animals" instead of his ex wife Jennifer Garner has raised eyebrows.
This kind of romantic realpolitik is common behind closed doors, with studios often cultivating "hype couples" – actors who are romantically linked off screen but brought together on screen for marketing opportunities.
Affleck initially considered casting Garner due to her talent and their reportedly amicable co parenting arrangement.