Now that Ben Affleck is officially single again, it looks like he’s not wasting time thinking about what—or who—could come next.
While he’s been relatively private since finalizing his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, a new revelation has people talking: Ben has a surprising celebrity crush, and it’s none other than Angelina Jolie.
The Oscar Winner Who’s Caught Ben’s Eye
According to someone close to the actor, Ben recently told a friend that he’s always admired Angelina.
And not just for her stunning looks—he’s genuinely impressed by how she’s handled her career and life.
From her acting success to stepping behind the camera as a director, Ben sees her as someone “smart” and “cool”—especially since directing is something he’s done quite a bit of himself with hits like The Town and Argo.
The fact that they’re both in the same age bracket doesn’t hurt either.
Ben is 52 and Angelina is 49, so there’s a level of shared life experience there.
And while Angelina hasn’t dated publicly since her messy split from Brad Pitt back in 2016, that hasn’t discouraged Ben’s admiration in the slightest.
A Bit of Hollywood History Between Them
This wouldn’t be the first time Ben and Brad Pitt have crossed romantic paths.
They both dated Gwyneth Paltrow at different times—Brad was even engaged to her in the mid-‘90s, while Ben dated her a few years later.
Brad, for his part, has moved on and is reportedly smitten with 32-year-old jewelry executive Ines de Ramon.
But Ben and Angelina go way back too. They’ve run into each other over the years at awards shows and events, often exchanging warm smiles and light conversation.
In 2001, he was seen whispering in her ear at a Vanity Fair Oscar party.
Then in 2014, they were snapped sharing an intimate moment at the Hollywood Film Awards. Sparks? Maybe. At the very least, mutual admiration.
Bonded by Parenthood and Private Lives
Another connection? They’re both devoted parents. Ben shares three kids with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, while Angelina is mom to six children she shares with Brad Pitt—Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Vivienne.
Both actors have spoken about how important family is, which could make for another strong common ground.
Ben Opens Up About His Split from J.Lo
The news about Ben’s admiration for Angelina comes shortly after he opened up about his recent divorce from Jennifer Lopez.
The two had rekindled their early 2000s romance in 2021, even appearing together in J.Lo’s 2024 documentary The Greatest Love Story Never Told.
But despite the glitz, the relationship quietly came to an end earlier this year.
Ben insists there wasn’t any big scandal or dramatic fallout.
Speaking to GQ, he described the split as something “more ordinary” than people might expect.
He emphasized that it wasn’t the documentary, their fame, or any public pressure that ended things—it was just life. “There’s no soap opera here,” he said.
Respect, But Different Worlds
Even though they’ve gone their separate ways, Ben still speaks highly of J.Lo.
He praised how she handles the spotlight so gracefully, noting that her comfort with public attention is quite different from his own more reserved nature.
Still, he wanted to be there for her and support her work, saying he believed in her and wanted the world to see how talented she is.
J.Lo Is Thriving Post-Split
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez seems to be doing just fine.
She recently shared a stunning photo on Instagram, dressed to the nines and full of gratitude while filming her upcoming movie Office Romance in New York with actor Brett Goldstein.
She also had a Broadway date night with her daughter, Emme, attending the premiere of Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Jennifer wore a dazzling navy Zuhair Murad couture outfit, and Emme matched her mom’s stylish energy in a pinstriped suit.
Their bond was on full display—J.Lo even called her daughter “the best date ever.”
A New Chapter for Everyone
While Ben and Jennifer move forward in separate directions, both seem focused on what’s next.
Whether it’s co-parenting, creative projects, or maybe even exploring new love—yes, even one involving Angelina Jolie—this next chapter is shaping up to be just as intriguing as their past ones.