Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez rekindling their romance twenty years or so after their first engagement might have sparked hopes of a fairytale ending for some fans, but there were those who warned against it, according to reports.

The Daily Mail cite insiders as having claimed that superstar actor Matt Damon, who counts Ben amongst his closest friends, had warned his buddy about reuniting with Lopez before they tied the knot in a 2022 Las Vegas ceremony.

Said insiders also say that Damon is desperate to prevent Affleck spiraling out of control and relapsing under the weight of speculation regarding his supposed failing marriage.

The last few weeks have made for fairly depressing reading if you count yourself a supporter of the so-called ‘Bennifer’ union.

Not only has Ben Affleck reportedly moved out of the couple’s marital home in Beverly Hills (a property that, by the way, is also said to be back on the market now), but Lopez recently took the bold step of canceling her planned tour of North America, citing a need to spend time with her family.

Add to that the fact that the pair haven’t issued any statement refuting the claims that they’re headed for divorce and the picture – irrespective of how grim it may seem – becomes pretty clear.

And yet, if we’re to believe reports, there were people who saw the warning signs early on. People including iconic actor Matt Damon.

As per the Daily Mail, Damon, 53, has told Affleck to “focus on his work” so as not to lose sight of his professional aims and objectives.

The Martian star is also said to have warned his best friend that reuniting with Jennifer Lopez might not be the wisest course of action.

“Matt tried to warn Ben when he got back together with JLo that this could happen,” an insider told the Daily Mail. “Matt was there to help Ben get it together after their first split and he felt like this would happen again.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 28: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are seen on the set of “Untitled Nike Movie” on June 28, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
What’s more, Affleck is believed to hold Damon’s opinion in high regard due to the fact that Damon has enjoyed a rock-solid marriage with his wife, Luciana Barroso, for nigh-on two decades.

Affleck and Damon have been close friends since childhood remember, launching their respective careers after reuniting to write the screenplay for the Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting.

“As things started falling apart, Matt told Ben that he supports whatever choice he makes but wants him to jump in and focus on his work,” the aforementioned insider continued.

“Ben spent so much time focusing on JLo’s projects just like he did the first time around. He told Ben, “What has she ever done for your career?”