Why Ben Affleck Has 'No Plans' To Attend Sundance Film Festival For Film With Ex-Wife Jennifer Lopez

Reports have revealed that Ben Affleck will be absent from the Sundance Film Festival, where Jennifer Lopez's film "Kiss of the Spider Woman" will debut.

The "Accountant" star is credited on the movie as a producer alongside his best friend Matt Damon. Meanwhile, Lopez stars as the lead female protagonist and an executive producer.

Jennifer Lopez is also expected to attend the festival alongside some of her co-stars and the film's director.

A preliminary red carpet lineup obtained by Daily Mail has revealed that Ben Affleck has "no plans" to attend the upcoming Sundance Film Festival when his and his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez's movie premieres.

The project, titled "Kiss of the Spider Woman," stars Lopez in the titular role, alongside her involvement as an executive producer.

Affleck is also part of the production team via his production company, Artists Equity, which he launched alongside best friend Matt Damon.

Now, it is believed that the actor will miss the event because he knows it would only shift the focus away from the film to his "interactions" with his ex-wife.

"Ben worked hard on the film, and it is something he is proud of, "a source told the outlet. "But he knows that if he goes to Sundance, his appearance will mean the focus is not on his artwork, but rather, it will be focused on his interactions with his ex."

According to the source, Affleck has "completely moved on with his life" despite him and Lopez only recently finalizing their split.

"The last thing he wants is his work to be overshadowed by his past relationship. He wants the film to be talked about, not his failed marriage," the insider further claimed.

Asides from Affleck, there is also a strong probability that Damon will be missing from the premiere despite being listed as a producer on the film, just like his best friends.

"The last time Matt went to support a film that Jennifer was the star of, it became all about the drama with Matt and Jennifer talking," a source shared referencing the actor's appearance at Lopez's "Unstoppable" premiere.

"This was all people focused on, and the film got no recognition - only that they talked and made physical contact," they added.

When the premiere is held on January 26, Lopez will likely only be in the company of the likes of director Bill Condon and producers Barry Josephson, Tom Kirdahy, and Greg Yolen, who were listed on the preliminary red carpet lineup.

Recently, Affleck finalized his divorce from Lopez, officially ending their nearly two-year marriage.

When they tied the knot, the duo had no prenuptial agreement, seemingly leading to their decision to enlist the help of celebrity lawyer Laura Wasser to mediate their divorce.

As part of the settlement, Lopez retained all the earnings she made since their separation in April 2024, along with keeping the over $5 million engagement ring she received from the actor.

As for Affleck, he retained his stake in his production company, which he founded in 2022.

Meanwhile, the couple will split the profits from the sale of their $61 million Beverly Hills mansion. The property has been on the market since last July but has yet to attract any committed buyers despite being publicly listed by the duo.

Following their divorce settlement, an insider revealed to InTouch that Affleck and Lopez never intended to "get petty" with each other and plan to remain friends.

"Jennifer and Ben are officially divorced, and the only bright spot is that they never got ugly. Many thought that their lawyers would do the nasty nitpicking on behalf of each of them, but they both decided to leave the marriage as amicably as possible," the source told the news outlet.

The insider further noted that while "there was a lot at stake," the former couple were determined not to fight over their assets.

"Ben and Jennifer were not about to nickel and dime each other, they respected each other way too much for that," the source noted. "I'm not saying that it never crossed their minds, it just wasn't worth it. They have too much history together. They actually parted as friends."

Moving forward, it appears that Lopez and Affleck have chosen to remain amicable following their split.

Since the divorce filing, they have been spotted together several times, including when Lopez visited Affleck's home.

Most recently, Lopez visited Affleck before the Golden Globe ceremony, where they were seen sharing a heartfelt hug with his 12-year-old son, Samuel.

She also reunited with her former partner in December, exchanging gifts to mark the festive season.

"They have every intention of continuing to be in each other's lives despite not being romantically involved," an insider told Page Six about the duo's continued connection.