A decades-old grudge, born from a splash and a retaliatory toss, allegedly fractured the professional relationship between two Hollywood titans: Steven Spielberg and Ben Affleck. The story, recently revealed by screenwriter Mike Binder, unveils a surprising and surprisingly personal conflict beneath the polished surface of the film industry.
The trouble began years ago, during a family vacation. Spielberg’s son, in a moment of youthful exuberance, pushed a fully-clothed Affleck into a pool. The playful shove quickly escalated when Affleck, reportedly furious, lifted the boy and threw him back in, leaving him in tears. This incident, seemingly minor, would fester into a significant professional barrier.
Years later, Binder found himself caught in the middle while attempting to cast his 2006 film, *Man About Town*. Spielberg, initially involved with the project, unexpectedly backed out when Affleck’s name surfaced for the lead role. The explanation, according to Binder, was blunt and pointed: Spielberg simply didn’t want to work with Affleck, citing past box office disappointments and “other problems.”
The “problems,” Binder discovered, directly linked back to the poolside incident. Spielberg confided in him, admitting a deep-seated dislike for Affleck. He didn’t just object to working with him; he actively discouraged it, even suggesting Affleck was “cold as hell.”
Affleck, however, was remarkably aware of the source of Spielberg’s animosity. When informed he wasn’t being considered for the role, he immediately asked if Spielberg had mentioned the pool incident. Binder denied it, but Affleck insisted Spielberg *had* revealed the story, believing it was the reason for being passed over.
Despite Binder’s attempts to salvage the situation and convince Spielberg to reconsider, the project ultimately fell apart at DreamWorks. It was eventually resurrected through independent funding, allowing Binder to cast Affleck in the film, which was released directly to DVD.
The tension appeared to thaw, at least publicly, at the 2013 Academy Awards. Affleck, celebrating his Best Picture win for *Argo*, shared a warm embrace with Spielberg. Binder, witnessing the moment, playfully texted Affleck, suggesting he could now exact revenge with impunity.
Affleck’s response, delivered late that night from the Academy Awards, was a burst of unrestrained laughter. “That made me laugh so f*g hard,” he reportedly told Binder, hinting at the lingering memory of the long-held grudge and the unexpected turn of events.
The story offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Hollywood, revealing that even the most successful figures are not immune to personal conflicts and the enduring power of a childhood slight.
