Photo-illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images
Last week, Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas broke up unexpectedly. The tormented Cuban actor and actress have been together for almost a year, generating engagement rumors and becoming the most talked about couple in 2020, thanks to frequent donut races and staged paparazzi walks.
Given the shocking news, I decided to speak to someone who might have an idea or at least be able to speculate on what is coming for the pair. I’m talking, of course, about the mind behind the ever sparkling Ana de Armas Updates, Stan’s infamous account that devotedly follows every movement of the star.
@ArmasUpdates is as notorious for his praise for De Armas as for his witty criticism – criticisms that blocked him by the actress in April last year. Even so, the account remained a staunch supporter of his work and a resource for exclusive tips. Here’s what we learned about new developments.
How did you feel when you heard that Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck were finished?
Shocked, to be honest, although I suspect the breakup occurred shortly before Ana returned to Cuba for vacation in December 2020. Still, they seemed to be going for the long haul, as she was introduced to Ben’s children. and supposedly moved in with him.
What do you think led to the breakup?
I think the age difference to some extent. They are in different places – Ana wants to create, while Ben wants to rehabilitate. Most likely, there was an argument about their future, and they decided it was best to take a break or break up.
I also know that Ana has wanted to spend more time in Cuba, as she has a home and family and friends there – she is not the biggest LA fan. This could be another factor: possible long distance problems.
What will you miss most about BenAna?
The outstanding nature of the relationship. They were literally the defining celebrity couple of 2020. They played it and it was fun to watch. It’s a shame it didn’t work out, because I liked them together and they made each other happy.
How do you think the split will affect Ana’s celebrity?
Ana is about to enter a new phase of her career, and maybe she didn’t need the luggage that Ben brings. Your star will only continue to rise. This would always happen before BenAna, and obviously it will happen afterwards.
What is your favorite BenAna moment?
When Ana bought Ben a custom motorcycle with matching helmets for her birthday and then took her out for a ride – it was really cute. Also, the moment they were locked out of their home and Ben jumped over the fence to save the day was pure gold.
How do you think things will happen on the press tour for Deep waters, the next erotic thriller in which they play romantic roles?
This separation is apparently friendly, and I believe that, since Ben has been friendly with his ex: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Garner, all the people he worked with.
In addition, the film will be released (as far as we know) in August, so it can give them enough time to get over that awkward phase.
Perhaps they will do separate photo sessions and interviews to accommodate any possible tension. I know the studio is pushing for a theatrical release for the film, so if things are unstable between them, they will have to pretend until they do it during a full press tour.
What do you think will happen to the dog they share?
Salsa is just Ana’s dog. The dog has Cuban heritage like her. She will keep you.
About that cardboard cutout of Ana being thrown in the trash outside Ben’s house. Do you think it was a staged photo?
I suspect that on the same day the representatives of the Ben and Ana camps confirmed the separation to the press, the cardboard cutout was publicly thrown away.
This cannot have been pure coincidence. The speculation that it was Ben’s brother, Casey, throwing out the cutout makes it even more complicated, but I will keep that because it really looked like him, although it has not been confirmed.
What do you think is coming for Ana? Will she spend any time being single? If not, who do you think she can date in the future?
Ana has a lot to come. There is the James Bond film, the biography of Marilyn Monroe and Deep waters with Ben. It should also start producing The Gray Man alongside Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans for Netflix. There is also a perfume and fashion campaign on the way.
It is crowded and busy. She may be too busy to love. If she finds love, however, @ArmasUpdates will be the first to say something about it 😉.