Culture 3 min read By Morgan Griffin
Ben Affleck's 'Animals' Reunites Two Zack Snyder DC Universe Alums
Ben Affleck's new Netflix film 'Animals' brings together two actors from the Zack Snyder DC era, while co-star Luis Gerardo Méndez reflects on the unexpected call from Affleck and the film's immigration themes.
Ben Affleck's upcoming Netflix feature «Animals» has quietly assembled a small reunion of the Zack Snyder DC Universe. The film, which Affleck directed and stars in, includes two actors who previously appeared in Snyder's superhero films, though they do not share any scenes in the new project.
The connection adds a layer of behind-the-scenes continuity for fans of the Snyder-era DC films, which ran from «Man of Steel» through «Zack Snyder's Justice League». Affleck himself played Batman in that franchise, and his decision to bring former colleagues into «Animals» suggests a continued creative rapport with that period of his career.
Among the cast is Luis Gerardo Méndez, who recently spoke about the experience of working with Affleck. Méndez recalled being surprised when his agents called to say that Affleck wanted him for the film. «They sent me the script, and it had a very beautiful note at the end from Ben, just saying like, 'Hey, Luis, I really want you,'» Méndez said. The actor admitted he was taken aback that the Oscar winner even knew who he was.
Méndez also addressed the film's immigration themes, which he said resonate deeply with him. In a conversation about speaking out on the issue, he warned that the stakes extend beyond any single community: «You could be next.» His comments reflect a broader cultural conversation that «Animals» appears to engage with, even as it operates within the framework of a mainstream Netflix thriller.
The film marks another chapter in Affleck's post-DC career, which has included directing and starring in a range of projects for streaming platforms. By casting actors from his superhero past, he bridges the gap between blockbuster franchise work and more grounded, character-driven storytelling.
For audiences who followed the Snyder DC films, the mini-reunion offers a subtle Easter egg — a reminder that the creative relationships formed on those sets continue to shape new work. «Animals» is expected to arrive on Netflix with a cast that blends familiar faces from that universe with new collaborators like Méndez.
The project also highlights how streaming platforms have become a home for these kinds of reunions, allowing filmmakers to assemble ensembles that might not fit traditional studio models. Affleck's involvement as both director and star gives «Animals» a high profile, while the Snyder connection gives it a dedicated fan base eager to see the actors together again — even if only in the same film rather than the same scene.
As «Animals» moves toward release, the combination of Affleck's star power, the Snyder-era nostalgia, and Méndez's thoughtful commentary on immigration positions the film as more than just another Netflix title. It becomes a meeting point for different eras of Hollywood, from superhero spectacle to socially conscious drama.
35
