Ben Affleck and Kevin Smith have collaborated on some of cinema’s most memorable projects—from the cult classic comedy Mallrats to the ambitious religious satire Dogma, establishing themselves as one of Hollywood’s most storied creative partnerships. Yet in a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine (October 2025), Smith revealed that Affleck’s collaboration with him nearly never happened at all—blocked by a reputation problem that emerged during filming on the 1993 Richard Linklater comedy Dazed and Confused. Producer James Jacks explicitly warned Smith about casting Affleck for Mallrats, concerned that the actor’s notorious “potty mouth” and excessive profanity on set would sabotage a production that already contained “enough bad language.” According to Smith’s recollection, Jacks had witnessed firsthand how Affleck dramatically increased the film’s f-bomb count during Dazed and Confused, turning a character with minimal dialogue into a profanity-spouting machine. The story is both humorous and revealing, demonstrating how personality conflicts and behavioral concerns nearly prevented one of cinema’s most creatively symbiotic partnerships from ever beginning.
The “Potty Mouth” Story: How Ben Affleck Almost Lost the Kevin Smith Partnership
Interview Date: October 2025 (Kevin Smith to PEOPLE magazine) | Story Timeline: Dazed and Confused (1993) → Mallrats audition (1995) | Producer Opposition: James Jacks warned against casting | Concern: Affleck’s excessive swearing on set | Resolution: Smith overruled producer, cast Affleck anyway
Kevin Smith, 55, recently opened up to PEOPLE magazine about a surprising and nearly career-derailing moment that could have prevented his entire collaborative relationship with Ben Affleck, 53. According to Smith’s recollection, producer James Jacks explicitly warned him against casting Affleck in the 1995 comedy Mallrats based on the actor’s reputation for profanity during the production of Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused two years earlier.
When Smith asked why Jacks reacted so negatively to Affleck’s name on the audition list, the producer explained: “Oh, because he’s got a potty mouth. He’s always cursing. We had him in Dazed and Confused. There were only a few uses of the word f— in Dazed and Confused, but when Affleck got there, he increased it. Every scene he’s throwing f—- around like crazy.” Jacks then warned Smith bluntly: “We don’t want him in this movie. You’ve got enough bad language in the movie.”
Despite the producer’s explicit objection, Smith stood his ground and cast Affleck anyway—a decision that proved inspired when Affleck “wore the character very, very well” during the audition. As fate would have it, the timing of Affleck’s audition coincided with earth-shattering professional news: Smith had just learned that morning that Affleck and Matt Damon had sold their screenplay Good Will Hunting for $800,000—a significant achievement for young screenwriters. When Affleck arrived at the audition, Smith recalls, “I said, ‘Hey, man, congrats. What are you doing here?’… And he’s like, ‘I thought Clerks was pimp.'” This genuine appreciation for Smith’s work undoubtedly influenced the director’s willingness to defy his producer’s concerns.
Mallrats (1995): The Beginning of the Partnership
Director and Writer: Kevin Smith | Release Date: October 19, 1995 | Studio: Universal Pictures | Runtime: 94 minutes | Budget: Estimated $10 million | Box Office: Critical and commercial disappointment at release | Status: Has achieved cult classic status
Cast: Jason Lee (Brodie Bruce), Jeremy London (T.S. Quint), Ben Affleck (Shannon Hamilton), Shannen Doherty (Rene), Claire Forlani (Gwen), Joe Lee Smith (Gwen’s new boyfriend), Michael Rooker (Mr. Svenning), Kevin James (Corn Cob Kid), Stan Lee (himself), Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith)
Mallrats became Kevin Smith’s second feature film and the launching pad for his ongoing collaboration with Ben Affleck. The film follows two depressed ex-boyfriends (played by Jason Lee and Jeremy London) who spend a day at the New Jersey mall attempting to win back their girlfriends and disrupt an on-air television dating show. Ben Affleck plays Shannon Hamilton, the arrogant romantic rival attempting to win over Gwen (Claire Forlani).
Upon its October 1995 release, Mallrats faced harsh critical reviews and disappointing box office performance, marking a sharp commercial step down from Smith’s debut indie success Clerks. However, the film has since achieved cult classic status, with many viewers appreciating its charm, humor, and the early chemistry between its ensemble cast. Affleck’s performance as the comedy relief antagonist Shannon Hamilton was praised for being “funny to watch,” establishing his willingness to embrace comedic villainy—a character type he would explore more deeply in later Kevin Smith projects.
Smith “fell in love” with Affleck during the making of Mallrats, according to his PEOPLE interview. The director was so impressed that he specifically wrote Chasing Amy (1997) with Affleck in mind, though Affleck’s role in that film was smaller.
Dogma (1999): The Collaboration Deepens
Director and Writer: Kevin Smith | Release Date: November 11, 1999 | Runtime: 130 minutes | Budget: Approximately $10 million | Box Office: $140 million worldwide | IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
Cast: Ben Affleck (Bartleby), Matt Damon (Loki), Linda Fiorentino (Bethany Sloane), Chris Rock (Rufus), Alan Rickman (Metatron), Salma Hayek (Serendipity), George Carlin (Cardinal Glick), Jason Lee (Azrael), Alanis Morissette (God)
If Mallrats launched the Affleck-Smith partnership, Dogma confirmed its creative viability. Smith’s audacious religious satire featured Affleck in a leading role as Bartleby, one of two fallen angels (Loki and Bartleby) attempting to find a way back into heaven. Paired alongside Matt Damon, the film positioned Affleck prominently within an ensemble cast that included established actors like Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, and George Carlin—a significant upgrade from his Mallrats supporting role.
Dogma proved commercially and critically successful, grossing $140 million worldwide. While critical reception was mixed (7.3/10 on IMDB), reviewers praised the film’s clever writing, talented ensemble, and ambitious satirical approach to religious themes. Affleck’s portrayal of Bartleby—a quiet, contemplative fallen angel whose conversations raise profound theological questions—demonstrated an emotional depth that contradicted his previous comedic roles. Reviewers noted that “Affleck’s character raises a lot of interesting religious questions about humanity, and his conversation with the protagonist on the train is rather insightful.”
Beyond his performance, Affleck carried professional distinction to Dogma‘s set—by this time, his Academy Award-winning screenplay Good Will Hunting (for which he shared writing credit) had already established him as a serious writer in addition to his acting work. Smith recalled that Affleck balanced demanding production schedules with other commitments and notably left “thoughtful thank you notes” for crew members, painting a picture of professionalism that contradicted his earlier “potty mouth” reputation.
The Kevin Smith-Ben Affleck Legacy
Films Together: Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997 – cameo), Dogma (1999), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), Clerks II (2006 – cameo), Reboot (2018)
The decision to defy producer James Jacks’ concerns and cast Ben Affleck in Mallrats proved to be one of Kevin Smith’s most inspired instinctive decisions. Affleck has become one of Smith’s most frequently collaborating actors, appearing in nearly every project within the director’s “View Askewniverse”—a loosely connected series of films set in the same fictional New Jersey landscape and featuring recurring characters like Jay and Silent Bob.
Beyond the shared projects, Smith and Affleck developed a genuine friendship and mutual respect. Smith has repeatedly expressed his creative affinity for Affleck, writing roles specifically with the actor in mind. Affleck, for his part, has demonstrated commitment to Smith’s work despite his career elevation to A-list Hollywood status—few major film stars willingly participate in indie comedies and experimental projects the way Affleck has with Smith.
Where to Watch Mallrats and Dogma
Mallrats (1995): Available on streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV (rental), Vudu, and various cable on-demand services. Physical media (Blu-ray/DVD) remains widely available through retailers and specialty stores.
Dogma (1999): Available on Apple TV (rental), Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, and various cable on-demand services. The film has faced periodic availability challenges due to its religious satire, but mainstream streaming platforms generally maintain access. Physical media (Blu-ray/DVD) is widely available.
Streaming Availability Note: Specific platform availability varies by region and changes periodically. Checking your local streaming provider’s catalog is recommended for current availability.
The Power of Taking Chances
Kevin Smith’s decision to cast Ben Affleck despite producer opposition demonstrates an important principle: institutional wisdom, while valuable, sometimes constrains creative opportunity. Had Smith deferred to James Jacks’ concerns about Affleck’s on-set language, one of cinema’s most prolific and mutually beneficial actor-director partnerships might never have materialized. Instead, Smith trusted his intuition about Affleck’s talent and presence—a choice that benefited both artists immensely.
The “potty mouth” story also reveals how professional reputation—particularly in the 1990s before social media scrutiny—could significantly impact casting opportunities. Yet it also demonstrates that talent, genuine appreciation for a director’s work, and the right collaborative moment can overcome reputational obstacles. Ben Affleck’s willingness to show up to that audition with authentic enthusiasm for Smith’s work helped convince the director to take the risk. Nearly three decades later, their creative relationship remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring and productive partnerships—all because Smith was willing to overlook what some considered a serious behavioral liability.
