Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inRachel McGrathWednesday 14 October 2026 15:09 BSTBen Affleck opens up about the ‘low point’ of his careerBen Affleck has revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that his Armageddon co-star Bruce Willis advised him against starring in the 1998 romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love.Affleck recalled Willis giving him well-intentioned advice on set, including telling him his voice was too high and suggesting he skip the period film, though Willis had not read the script.Ignoring the advice proved beneficial as Shakespeare in Love went on to achieve immense critical acclaim, winning seven Academy Awards including Best Picture.The acclaimed historical comedy featured an ensemble cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, and Dame Judi Dench, who won Best Supporting Actress for a performance lasting less than 10 minutes.While promoting his new Netflix film Animals, Affleck also reflected on career low points, detailing how a troubled production process on Justice League led him to swear off future superhero films.In fullBen Affleck claims Bruce Willis warned him off movie that ended up winning Best PictureMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in