Jennifer Garner, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in "The Last Thing He Told Me" and "The Kingdom," has shared a behind-the-scenes story from her early career that highlights the risks and intensity of film set injuries. During a recent panel discussion at Apple TV Press Day, the 53-year-old actress revealed she once bit off a chunk of a co-star’s ear while filming a brutal fight scene in the 2007 film "The Kingdom." The incident occurred while working with stunt performer Sala Baker, who was then a rising talent in the industry.
Garner’s revelation comes as she prepares to promote her upcoming Apple TV series, "The Last Thing He Told Me," which focuses on themes of family and personal struggle. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the accident happened during the production of "The Kingdom," a film that was later reimagined in a more recent context with her current projects. According to her, the fight scene was designed to be highly realistic, with both actors and stunt coordinators aiming for authenticity in the action sequences.
"I remember it happening one day when we were doing a scene where we were supposed to have a brutal confrontation," Garner explained. "It was so intense that I ended up biting off a chunk of [Sala] Baker’s ear. I felt it was like Mike Tyson’s famous move, but without the full impact of a real punch. I thought it was funny at the time, but now I realize how lucky I am that it didn’t happen to me."
Garner’s account aligns with her history of working with stunt performers, including her collaboration with Ben Affleck on the set of "The Last Thing He Told Me." She has been open about her relationship with Affleck, calling him a "family member" after their work together on the film. This connection is highlighted by celebrity matchmaker Alessandra Conti, who has praised their on-set chemistry and mutual respect.
The incident also sheds light on the challenges of working with stunt doubles and the physical demands of action filmmaking. While the fight scene was a significant part of the production, the accident itself was a rare but memorable moment that showcased the unpredictability of on-set injuries. The Hollywood Reporter has noted that such accidents are not uncommon in the film industry, but they can have serious consequences for the actors involved.
Garner’s story is particularly interesting given her recent work on "The Last Thing He Told Me," which has been praised for its emotional depth and complex character dynamics. The show has been compared to similar projects in the industry, and her ability to handle both dramatic and physical scenes has been a key factor in its success.
"It’s a lot more than just a fight scene," she added. "It’s about showing the relationship between two people under stress. Sometimes, the most powerful moments happen when you’re not supposed to be there."