{
  "id": 12780766,
  "title": "Ben Affleck comes out ... As a Python coder and AI enthusiast",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/ben-affleck-comes-out-as-a-python-coder-and-ai-enthusiast",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T03:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/technology/software-and-internet/2026-10-08-ben-affleck-comes-out--as-a-python-coder-and-ai-enthusiast/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ben Affleck, frequently overshadowed by his longtime partner Matt Damon on the silver screen, is proving himself to be a surprisingly adept programmer and AI aficionado. In an interview with Fireside Alpha, the 54-year-old actor surprised onlookers by disclosing his long-standing passion for computer programming and digital film technology. Affleck stated, \"I've always been kind of into computers since I was young.\" He elaborated on the transition from analog to digital filmmaking and the integration of machine learning into visual effects. Affleck admitted, \"I can write pretty shitty Python scripts.\" The duo's most celebrated work, Good Will Hunting, was jointly penned by Affleck and Damon, but Affleck's technical prowess may actually surpass his more widely recognized co-star's intelligence. Affleck's curiosity in post-production and digital visual effects eventually catapulted him to launch his own startup in this field, Artists Equity. His access to top tech innovators in Hollywood, courtesy of his star status, allows him to engage directly with the forefront of AI and machine learning advancements. Affleck disclosed, \"I’ve learned that I can actually just call up and say, ‘Hey, it's Ben Affleck. Can I come see what you’re working on?’ And to my absolute astonishment, sometimes people actually say yes.\"",
  "summary": "Actor and director Ben Affleck revealed his long-standing passion for computer programming, writing Python scripts, and exploring cutting-edge AI video technology alongside industry leaders like OpenAI and Google.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}