The Deep Water Romance: 5 Shocking Reasons Why Ben Affleck And Ana De Armas's Pandemic Love Story Collapsed

The whirlwind romance between Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, a passionate affair born on a movie set and thrust into the global spotlight during a pandemic, remains one of Hollywood's most intensely scrutinized relationships. Despite their undeniable chemistry, which was palpable both on and off-screen, the high-profile coupling ended abruptly in early 2021. As of December 12, 2025, the 'BennAna' saga is back in the news following fresh rumors of a potential reconciliation, fueled by the actress's recent split from a rumored high-profile partner. This deep dive explores the definitive timeline, the core reasons for the split, and the latest buzz suggesting the two stars might be circling back to one another.

The couple's short but impactful time together was defined by intense paparazzi attention, shared coffee runs, and their on-screen pairing in the erotic thriller Deep Water. Their breakup was reportedly amicable but firm, rooted in fundamental differences over geography and family life. Understanding the full scope of their relationship requires looking past the tabloid headlines to the professional and personal pressures that ultimately led the Cuban-Spanish actress to walk away from the Oscar-winning filmmaker and actor.

Complete Profile: Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas

To fully appreciate the dynamic of their relationship, it is essential to look at the professional stature and personal histories of both A-list stars.

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Ben Affleck (Benjamin Géza Affleck)

• Born: August 15, 1972, in Berkeley, California, U.S.
• Key Roles/Accolades: An acclaimed actor, writer, and director. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting (1997) with Matt Damon and a second Academy Award for Best Picture for directing and producing Argo (2012). His notable filmography includes The Town, Gone Girl, Justice League (as Batman), and Air.
• Personal Life: Affleck has three children—Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel—with his ex-wife, actress Jennifer Garner. He is currently married to Jennifer Lopez, marking the highly publicized "Bennifer" reunion.
• Entity Tags: Matt Damon, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Lopez, Good Will Hunting, Argo, The Town, Batman, Academy Awards, Boston.

Ana de Armas (Ana Celia de Armas Caso)

• Born: April 30, 1988, in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba.
• Key Roles/Accolades: A Cuban and Spanish actress who gained international recognition for her breakout role as Marta Cabrera in the mystery film Knives Out (2019), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Blonde (2022). Other major roles include Paloma in the James Bond film No Time to Die and the lead in Ghosted.
• Personal Life: De Armas trained at the National Theater School of Cuba and moved to Spain at age 18. She was previously married to Spanish actor Marc Clotet. Post-Affleck, she has been linked to Tinder executive Paul Boukadakis and, most recently, was the subject of intense dating rumors with a major action star.
• Entity Tags: Cuba, Spain, Marilyn Monroe, Knives Out, Blonde, No Time to Die, Golden Globe, Academy Award, Paul Boukadakis.

The Deep Water Connection: A Relationship Timeline

The relationship between Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, affectionately dubbed 'BennAna' by fans and the media, began in a classic Hollywood fashion: on the set of a movie where they played a couple.

The Spark on Set (Late 2019)

Affleck and de Armas first met in New Orleans in late 2019 while filming the psychological erotic thriller Deep Water, directed by Adrian Lyne. In the film, they portrayed Vic and Melinda Van Allen, a wealthy couple whose open marriage takes a dark, murderous turn. The intense, intimate nature of their on-screen roles is widely believed to have sparked their real-life connection.

The Pandemic Public Debut (March 2020)

Rumors of their romance began circulating in March 2020 after they were photographed together on a trip to Cuba, de Armas's home country, and later in Costa Rica. The relationship quickly became public just as the COVID-19 pandemic forced global lockdowns. This unique timing meant the couple spent an inordinate amount of time together, leading to intense, almost daily paparazzi coverage of their walks and coffee runs in Los Angeles.

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The Cardboard Cutout and Viral Fame (Mid-2020)

Their relationship reached peak viral fame when a life-size cardboard cutout of Ana de Armas, reportedly taken from a fan, was seen outside Ben Affleck's home. The playful, yet bizarre, public displays of affection and the constant presence of the paparazzi solidified their status as a major celebrity couple during a time when other stars were in hiding.

5 Core Reasons Why 'BennAna' Collapsed in 2021

The relationship, which lasted just under a year, ended in January 2021. While the source reports indicated the split was mutual and amicable, the underlying issues were rooted in geography, family, and the overwhelming pressure of fame.

1. The Los Angeles Dilemma (Geographical Differences)

The most cited reason for the breakup was Ana de Armas’s reluctance to be based permanently in Los Angeles. Affleck, whose primary residence is in L.A., needed to stay close to his three children with Jennifer Garner. De Armas, who had lived in Spain and then temporarily in L.A., ultimately decided she did not want to raise a family there.

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2. Differing Life Stages and Family Priorities

At 32 (at the time of the split), Ana de Armas was 16 years younger than Ben Affleck, who was 48. Sources suggested that Affleck was content with his family life and children, whereas de Armas was reportedly looking to start a new family and desired a different lifestyle outside of the L.A. celebrity bubble.

3. The 'Horrible' Tabloid Scrutiny

The constant, intense paparazzi attention during the early months of the pandemic proved too much for de Armas. In a later interview, she described the attention as "horrible" and explicitly stated it was "one of the reasons why I left L.A." The pressure cooker of being a high-profile Hollywood couple, particularly during the lockdown, was a major factor in her decision to seek a quieter life.

4. The Post-Filming Reality

While their chemistry on the set of Deep Water was electric, the intensity of a "set romance" often fades once the project is wrapped. The film's release in 2022, long after their breakup, served as a poignant reminder of their passionate but ultimately unsustainable connection.

5. Ana de Armas Initiated the Split

Crucially, multiple sources confirmed that Ana de Armas was the one who initiated the breakup. Despite the amicable nature of the split, her decision to prioritize her desired lifestyle and career path outside of Los Angeles sealed the fate of the relationship.

The Latest Buzz: Is a BennAna Reunion Possible in 2025?

Despite Ben Affleck’s high-profile marriage to Jennifer Lopez, the 'BennAna' narrative has recently resurfaced in the gossip columns. The focus is on Ana de Armas's recent relationship status, which has allegedly caught the attention of her ex-boyfriend.

The Rumored Split and Affleck’s Reaction

In a surprising twist of events, recent reports suggest that Ana de Armas has ended a rumored relationship with another major action star. According to various sources circulating in late 2024 and early 2025, Affleck is reportedly "happy as can be" that the actress is single again and is allegedly contemplating the possibility of a reconciliation. This speculation, while unverified, speaks volumes about the lasting impact of their original romance.

Why the Rumors Persist

The persistent rumors about a possible reunion stem from the fact that the original breakup was not due to a lack of love or a personal falling out, but rather a logistical problem. The intense, passionate nature of their connection, coupled with the amicable end, leaves the door perpetually ajar in the minds of the public and, allegedly, in Affleck's own thoughts. The core conflict—Ana de Armas’s desire to avoid the L.A. spotlight—remains a major hurdle, but the current buzz keeps the possibility of a second chapter for the Deep Water co-stars alive.