Ben Affleck is set to star in his upcoming Netflix thriller “ Animals ,” which he’s also directing. His longtime friend Matt Damon was originally slated to lead the film but had to depart due to scheduling conflicts with Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic “The Odyssey.”

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Oscar-winner Ben Affleck is set to star in as well as direct the new Netflix movie, Animals. He will also produce the film alongside his frequent collaborator Matt Damon, the streaming service announced Thursday. The X Files and The Crown alum Gillian Anderson has signed on to co-star.

“Animals, a new kidnapping thriller directed by Ben Affleck, is coming to Netflix. Starring Ben Affleck, Gillian Anderson, Kerry Washington, and Steven Yeun,” wrote the streamer alongside pictures of the cast.

The project has been revived with Affleck still in the director’s chair. But he will now star in it as well. Gillian Anderson, the X-Files star who in recent years appeared as Margaret Thatcher in Netflix’s The Crown, is also joining the production. As before, the project aims to shoot in Los Angeles and is looking at an April start.

Ben Affleck and Gillian Anderson are set to star in kidnapping thriller "Animals" for Netflix, according to an insider with knowledge of the project. Affleck is also set to direct. Matt Damon was originally attached to star in the film but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey.

Actors Kerry Washington and Steven Yeun have joined Ben Affleck's directorial kidnapping thriller 'Animals'.Affleck also stars in the lead role. In addition to Affleck, the film will also feature Gillian Anderson.