The Oscar-winning actor says flawed characters are more compelling than perfect heroes, adding that real-life experiences have helped shape his approach to acting.

Ben Affleck has explained why he is drawn to complex, imperfect characters, revealing that he finds roles featuring a “tarnished leading man” far more interesting than playing someone who is entirely virtuous.

Speaking to GQ on One More Question, the Hollywood star reflected on his public image and why he does not feel the need to portray himself as someone whose life has always been perfect.

“Once you’ve been, however briefly, the world’s leading example of the beleaguered man having a cigarette behind his house, and people look at a picture of you and go, ‘Yeah, I felt that way too’—I’m not going to try to pretend that everything I do has always been happy and cheerful and perfect,” Affleck said.

The Argo star added that difficult experiences and imperfections are part of being human.

“It hasn’t, right? But that’s kind of who we all are, right? That’s the point,” he continued.

Affleck explained that this understanding also influences the characters he chooses to portray. According to the Oscar-winning filmmaker, audiences and actors alike benefit from characters who have flaws and complicated personalities.

“I don’t think any good actor’s interested in playing somebody who’s two-dimensional or just particularly virtuous,” he said.

He criticised the predictability of roles that present a character as the best at everything, arguing that such portrayals can limit the possibilities for compelling performances.

Affleck also said he dislikes restrictions that prevent characters from behaving in unexpected or unconventional ways.

“I f—ing don’t want to have my hands tied and be like, ‘No, your character wouldn’t say that or can’t say this.’ It’s just not interesting,” he explained.

Reflecting on how his own life and public perception may have influenced his career, Affleck said he sees a positive side to the experience.

“And if my life and the events of it, or at least the perception of them have contributed to allowing me to do that, well then great. That’s a silver lining,” he added.

Meanwhile, Affleck’s upcoming film Animals is scheduled to hit cinemas on October 9, 2026, adding another project to the actor and filmmaker’s busy career.