Ben Affleck's Rift With Netflix Film Chief Reportedly Contributed to Ouster
Actor's objections to AI company purchase and film notes allegedly played a role in Dan Lin's departure from Netflix.
Netflix film head Dan Lin was ousted from his position amid a significant executive overhaul, with reports indicating that actor Ben Affleck's disputes with Lin played a role in his departure. Sources suggest that Affleck's dissatisfaction stemmed from both Netflix's acquisition of his AI company, InterPositive, and creative notes Lin allegedly provided for Affleck's film "Animals."
Lin, who was reportedly earning $12 million annually, reportedly questioned the $587 million price tag of Affleck's AI company. This skepticism was not isolated, as many Netflix staffers also reportedly doubted the value of the acquisition. An executive at a production company with business at Netflix stated that Lin's "dispassionate approach to budgets and cutting output," which was initially appealing, ultimately contributed to his dismissal.
Adding to the tension, Lin allegedly clashed with Affleck over notes for the film "Animals." Sources indicate that Affleck was outraged when these notes, shared by other employees, eventually reached him, leading him to declare, "I'm not talking to them anymore." Prior reports had already suggested that Affleck "couldn't stand" Lin.
Beyond the issues with Affleck, Lin also reportedly had a falling out with filmmaker Greta Gerwig. The dispute occurred during a Zoom call regarding her upcoming project, "Narnia: The Magician's Nephew," where Lin was perceived as dismissive. This incident prompted Gerwig's agents to escalate the matter to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, leading Lin to step back from the Narnia film, with Doug Belgrad taking over.
Belgrad, who served as Lin's second-in-command, was also let go from the company the week prior. Bela Bajaria, Netflix's chief content officer, was also dismissed in a surprising shakeup, reportedly learning of her termination shortly before a VIP screening. Sarandos acknowledged her decade of service in a statement.
The departure of Lin and Bajaria marks a significant course correction for Netflix, which had hired Lin two years prior with an aim for fiscal prudence. Peter Rice has been brought in to succeed Bajaria.
The streaming giant is now in the process of searching for Lin's replacement. Several candidates are reportedly being considered, including industry veterans like Stacey Snider, Jeff Robinov, and Emma Watts, as well as Noah Sacco of A24 and DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran. Former Warner Bros. executives Pamela Abdy and Michael De Luca are also reportedly in contention.
Rice, who previously held leadership roles at Disney and 21st Century Fox, is known for his low-profile approach. He will now oversee the search for a new film chief, aiming to reshape the streamer's content leadership.