Netflix has released the first teaser for Animals, the new political thriller directed by and starring Ben Affleck. The film will arrive in select theaters and on Netflix on October 9, 2026, with Kerry Washington starring opposite Affleck.
Affleck plays Mark Kimball, a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles whose family is thrown into crisis when his son is kidnapped. What follows puts Mark and his wife, Abigail (played by Washington), under enormous pressure as they try to raise the ransom while questioning whom they can trust.
Watch the Teaser
Ben Affleck Directs and Stars in Animals for Netflix
Animals centers on Mark and Abigail Kimball after their son’s kidnapping pulls them into a larger web of deception.
Mark isn’t simply dealing with the kidnapping as a father. He’s also in the middle of a campaign to become mayor of Los Angeles, adding a political element to a situation that is already threatening his family.
The couple must find a way to raise the ransom while making decisions that could have consequences well beyond getting their son home.
Affleck co-wrote the film in addition to directing and playing Mark. It puts him back behind the camera for another thriller after directing films including Argo, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun and Gillian Anderson Join Affleck
Kerry Washington plays Abigail Kimball, Mark’s wife, with the film bringing together a larger cast that includes Steven Yeun and Gillian Anderson.
Adriana Paz and Luis Gerardo Méndez also star, alongside Ray Fisher, Mark Kassen and Christopher Woodley.
Netflix has not provided character details for most of the supporting cast in the information released so far
The confirmed cast includes:
- Ben Affleck as Mark Kimball
- Kerry Washington as Abigail Kimball
- Gillian Anderson
- Steven Yeun
- Adriana Paz
- Luis Gerardo Méndez
- Ray Fisher
- Mark Kassen
- Christopher Woodley
Animals Was Filmed in Los Angeles
Los Angeles isn’t only where the story takes place. Production on Animals was also based in and around the city.
The film was produced in partnership with Artists Equity, the studio founded by Affleck, Matt Damon and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital.
Affleck, Damon and Dani Bernfeld serve as producers alongside Brad Weston and Collin Creighton of Makeready. Makeready developed the project in partnership with Fifth Season.
When Does Animals Come Out on Netflix?
Animals will be released on October 9, 2026, both on Netflix and in select theaters.
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FAQ
When is Animals coming to Netflix?
Animals will be released on Netflix on October 9, 2026. It will also play in select theaters.
Who stars in Netflix’s Animals?
Ben Affleck and Kerry Washington lead the cast, which also includes Steven Yeun, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Ray Fisher, Mark Kassen and Christopher Woodley.
Did Ben Affleck direct Animals?
Yes. Affleck directed and co-wrote Animals in addition to starring as Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball.
Key Details
- Release date: October 9, 2026
- Platform: Netflix and select theaters
- Director: Ben Affleck
- Lead cast: Ben Affleck and Kerry Washington
- Also starring: Steven Yeun, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Ray Fisher, Mark Kassen and Christopher Woodley
- Filming location: Los Angeles
- Production: Artists Equity, with producers Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Dani Bernfeld, Brad Weston and Collin Creighton