by Ben Affleck says his wife Jennifer Lopez coached him for media interviews, which he has previously seen as “land mines.”
The Hollywood actor said he has become “very guarded” due to bad experiences and was worried about saying things that could end his career.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck discussed a number of topics including his new production company and film Air, as well as his viral Grammy appearance with Lopez.
When asked why she wasn’t on Instagram, she said. “My wife is a genius at this. I don’t know if anyone understands Instagram better than her.
“In fact, he gave me a speech this morning before this interview. She thinks that because of the experiences I’ve had, I’ve become very guarded. And she’s right.
“I see these things as land mines, where if you say one thing wrong, your career could be over.”
The Hollywood power couple were photographed together at the 65th Grammy Awards in February, with many on social media remarking that Affleck looked bored.
He said despite the images and video from the night, he had “enjoyed” but had become nervous after being approached by ceremony host Trevor Noah for an interview.
Following the Grammys, Lopez said she always has “the best time” with her husband and posted a video montage on Instagram, which included clips and photos of the couple together.
Affleck has now started his own production company with friend and fellow actor Matt Damon, called Artists Equity.
It is built on the premise of profit sharing between not only directors, producers and actors, but also crew members such as cinematographers, editors and costume designers.
Their company’s first film, Air, tells the story of how basketball legend Michael Jordan’s family and a group of Nike executives revolutionized the business with a historic athletic shoe deal.
The film stars Affleck and Damon, as well as Jason Bateman and Viola Davis, who will play Jordan’s mother.
Affleck said his wife had also given him some “great lines” for the script as she was “incredibly knowledgeable” about the evolution of fashion.
Air will premiere at the South by Southwest film festival in Texas on March 18 before opening in theaters on April 5.
The Hollywood Reporter’s full interview with Affleck can be read online.
