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Ben Affleck is reportedly uneasy over Tom Cruise's new relationship with actress Ana de Armas - Affleck's former girlfriend.
According to sources, the Argo star is feeling a mix of jealousy and discomfort as his longtime Hollywood acquaintance grows closer to someone from Ben's romantic past.
"Ben is kind of the jealous type," a source told DailyMail.com.
"He really liked Ana a lot, and when she left him, it left a mark. So seeing her happy now with Tom - someone he knows - feels awkward for him."
Relationship blossomed during the COVID-19 pandemic
Affleck, 52, dated de Armas from March 2020 to January 2021. Their relationship garnered major media attention during the pandemic, but it ended quietly. Cruise, 61, and de Armas, 37, reportedly began dating around Valentine's Day and were recently spotted enjoying a romantic stroll through a London park on Ana's birthday.
The actress was seen smiling in a pale pink T-shirt and jeans, while Cruise stayed close, surrounded by security.
Beyond the personal history, Affleck is said to harbor a touch of professional envy toward Cruise's enduring action-hero career.
"Every actor envies Tom's success to some degree," the source added.
"Ben's no different. Tom is still a box office powerhouse in his sixties, and Ben hopes to have that kind of longevity too."
Friends of Affleck have even joked that he should "get revenge" by dating Cruise's ex-wife Katie Holmes, who is reportedly single. However, the idea remains improbable - Holmes lives in New York, while Affleck is based in Los Angeles.
Adding another layer of awkward overlap, both Affleck and Cruise have romantic history with Gwyneth Paltrow.
Affleck dated her off and on from 1997 to 2000, while Cruise shared a kiss with her in Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), a moment Paltrow once described as "amazing."
Ana de Armas and Tom Cruise in London. pic.twitter.com/mvR52xptRx
? A Shot. (@ashotmagazine) April 16, 2025
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez, Affleck's ex-wife, recently opened up about her life after their split. Speaking to El País, Lopez shared that her 17-year-old twins, Max and Emme, helped her remain grounded during a challenging time.
"I said, 'I promise you, this is a difficult time, but you're going to see that I'll come out stronger and better,'" Lopez said.
"I'm proud that I was able to guide them through it. We're all better because of it."
Despite the divorce, Affleck and Lopez remain amicable. Their children attended the premiere of The ant 2 together, continuing the close bond between their families.
On the red carpet, Affleck praised Lopez as "spectacular" and someone who will always be important to him.
"She's great to my kids, and I love her kids," he said.
"She's a tremendous person with a lot of integrity. I'm grateful for her."