Nothing screams blockbuster like two big stars collaborating together on a film. Oscar-winner George Clooney has had the opportunity to work with many top celebrities, both in front of the camera as an actor, as well as behind it, as a director. In the Oceans franchise, Clooney shared screen space with A-listers like Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts.
Lesser known though, was the Syriana star’s collaboration with Damon’s best friend Ben Affleck, whom he directed in the 2021 independent film, The Tender Bar. Clooney revealed that Affleck was so taken up with his role and character, that he went above and beyond to convince him about signing him on.
How Ben Affleck Coaxed George Clooney To Cast Him In The Tender Bar
In 2021, George Clooney took on the responsibility of directing a low-budget independent film, The Tender Bar, based on the book of the same name by J. R. Moehringer. The story which traced the author’s life experiences, saw Ben Affleck playing the role of the protagonist’s uncle who becomes a huge influence in his nephew’s life and helps raise him.
The Good Will Hunting actor was so deeply connected to the character, that he went to extremes to convince George Clooney that he was the perfect choice for the role. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Clooney elaborated on Affleck’s efforts, which included his willingness to do the film for free.
“He sent like, a two-page email that went on forever about why he’s exactly the right guy and how he’s going to kick a*s and he’ll do it for nothing.”
Affleck’s persistence and belief in the film and his character ultimately resulted in the actor impressing Clooney to cast him. While The Tender Bar received mixed reviews, the two actors’ commitment to the film was lauded by all.
Here’s Why George Clooney Believed That Ben Affleck Was The Right Choice For His Film
George Clooney has made a name for himself as not just a versatile actor but as a very perceptive director as well. The Oscar winner took on the task of bringing to life, author J. R. Moehringer‘s autobiographical novel in 2021 titled The Tender Bar. The film saw Ben Affleck working with Clooney for the first time.
It was Affleck who took the initiative and worked tirelessly to convince the Ocean’s Eleven actor to cast him in the role. Speaking to Interview Magazine about the Gigli star’s persistence, Clooney revealed how he was ultimately convinced that he had made the right choice by bringing Affleck on board for the film.
“He wrote me a three-page email about everything he knew about this character. I think there are parts of his father that he related to in it. It just felt like Ben really wanted to do this and was ready to do it. And he really showed up – the first guy on the set; he knew everybody’s lines. He’s a consummate pro,”
Both actors, who have also played Batman, formed a seamless partnership in the film, with Clooney’s directorial skills and Affleck’s performance receiving praise despite the film not faring too well.
