Steven Spielberg Refused to Work with Ben Affleck After Son Incident

According to media reports, Hollywood director Steven Spielberg refused to collaborate with actor Ben Affleck due to a conflict involving Spielberg's son.

Apr 23, 2026

Mike Binder disclosed that Steven Spielberg declined to work with Ben Affleck following a pool incident involving his child.
Source:
MEGA

As reported by media, Steven Spielberg and Ben Affleck quarreled after the director allegedly refused to collaborate due to criticism of his child.

Later, Affleck questioned Binder about the failed deal for «Man About Town» after learning Spielberg held him responsible.
Source:
MEGA

Director Mike Binder learned of this animosity when Spielberg agreed to work with him on the film «Man About Town» in the early 2000s, but changed his mind upon hearing that Affleck had been cast in the lead role.

According to Binder, Spielberg noted that Affleck«s recent films had failed and stated: »I just don«t like working with him. Moreover, his last two pictures flopped. Find someone else. Anyone but him. He»s very cold.«

Binder also recounted that Spielberg mentioned a party at his home where Affleck was invited. «My son was still young, he was playing in the pool, got out, and Ben came in fully dressed. My son pushed Ben into the pool,» the director allegedly said. «And Ben got very angry, got out of the water, picked up the boy, and threw him back into the pool, making him cry.»

Later, Affleck, upon learning that Spielberg blamed him for this incident, contacted Binder. «Ben called me and asked: »Did Steven Spielberg tell you that I threw his child in the water? Is that true? Is that why I«m not in your film?»« Binder recalls. »I replied: «No»... [and Affleck said] «Yes, he did! He told you I threw his child in the water. That»s why I«m not in the film.»«

In the end, Binder and Affleck still made the film «Man About Town» in 2006, but it was released directly to video.