Ben Affleck Draws Fortnite Inspiration for Animals Costumes

Ben Affleck has drawn inspiration from Fortnite character designs for the costumes in his upcoming Netflix thriller Animals, while admitting that younger players frequently defeat him in online matches. During an appearance on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, the actor discussed how his son's interest in the game influenced the film's visual style and described his own competitive experiences with younger opponents.

According to IGN's October 8 report and FRVR's October 10 coverage, Affleck plays several types of video games, including first-person shooters and sports titles such as Madden and NBA 2K. He said his confidence in shooter games often disappears when he faces players as young as 12, particularly when they taunt him after eliminating his character.

Affleck described his reaction to the encounters, acknowledging that losing and receiving insults from younger opponents sometimes leads him to argue with them.

"I always play games. I play first person shooter games, so I think I'm good, and then 12-year-olds just f**k you up. I try to come out and I'm like, ‘Here I come.’

I get killed right away, and then they taunt you, like, ‘You suck. F**k you!’ I end up getting in arguments. ‘F**k you!

I don't suck! I'm a grown man!’" Affleck said on the New Heights podcast.

The gaming discussion also revealed how Fortnite influenced Animals. According to IGN, the film features a character wearing a fuzzy bunny mask, an unusual design that Affleck connected to the character cosmetics his son enjoys in the game.

Affleck explained that his son repeatedly described certain Fortnite outfits as tough, prompting the actor to consider their unconventional appearance when developing the movie's costumes.

"I thought these costumes are so kind of random and unusual, that's what I based the costumes on," Affleck said.

He added that the game's character designs provided a reference point for the film's wardrobe choices.

"I thought he'd be getting them off games," Affleck said.

FRVR also reported that Affleck discussed his son's Christmas wish for Fortnite skins priced at $300. The items were described to him as limited edition, but he questioned spending that amount on digital cosmetics that can only be used within the game.

The reported price represents an expensive example rather than the standard cost of Fortnite skins, according to FRVR. The outlet noted that some rare cosmetics can reach such prices, although the figure is far from typical.

Affleck's familiarity with gaming extends beyond Fortnite. He has previously spoken about playing Valorant and has attended events related to the tactical shooter with his son. IGN also reported that he had identified KAY/O as his main character in Valorant and participated in a watch party with esports organization Sentinels the previous year.

Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, has attracted celebrities from several entertainment fields. Affleck's comments connect that wider gaming culture with his work on Animals, while highlighting the differences between his experience and the skills of younger online players.