EXCLUSIVE: Ben Affleck is ramping things up on his upcoming Netflix thriller Animals as he is not only on board to direct but sources now say he will star too. Insiders add Gillian Anderson is also on board from a script by Connor McIntyre and Billy Ray.

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Oscar-winner Ben Affleck is set to star in as well as direct the new Netflix movie, Animals. He will also produce the film alongside his frequent collaborator Matt Damon, the streaming service announced Thursday. The X Files and The Crown alum Gillian Anderson has signed on to co-star.

Ben Affleck is set to star in his upcoming Netflix thriller “Animals,” which he’s also directing. His longtime friend Matt Damon was originally slated to lead the film but had to depart due to scheduling conflicts with Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic “The Odyssey.