A few months ago, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon set up a new production company together and it was announced they were putting together a film called The Trade. However while it looks like nothing is set in stone, Ben and Casey Affleck are now working on a new version of the original script by Dave Mandel, and it appears the movie may end up as not only an acting gig for Matt Damon, but that he may also direct.
The Trade centres on a scandal that erupted in 1973 when it was revealed that two New York Yankees pitchers, Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich, had decided to swap wives. Although it has started off as a few swinging one-offs, they eventually decided to make the switch permanent. While it was an equitable arrangement that pleased all parties, the public wasn’t quite as understanding.
Talking to MTV Movies about the film, Ben Affleck recently said, “I dont know how itll come together, acting and directing, but Casey and I have decided to write it together. Once the scripts kind of ready, then its like: Whos doing what? Whats the time frame? Matt, me, Casey directing? Particularly for Matt, hes had this extraordinary career where hes worked with these great directors. Hes a great director who just hasnt directed a movie.”
That still leaves it open for Affleck, or indeed anyone else, to direct, but it certainly appears they’re look for something for Matt to helm, and The Trade could be it.