Ben Affleck, the acclaimed actor known for roles in Gone Girl and The Batman, recently spoke about one of his most talked-about on-set moments: refusing to wear a New York Yankees baseball cap during the filming of 2014’s psychological thriller Gone Girl.

The incident briefly halted production and showcased a clash between Affleck’s personal sports loyalty and director David Fincher’s creative vision.

The Infamous On-Set Disagreement

Affleck, 53, recounted the story during a conversation with co-stars Matt Damon, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Sasha Calle while promoting his latest film, The Rip. When asked who among them refused to wear a Yankees cap, Affleck’s story took center stage.

The actor explained that Fincher wanted his character, Nick Dunne, to wear a Yankees cap in a scene. The idea was that Nick, having lived in New York with his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike), would use the cap as a form of disguise from public attention during the media frenzy surrounding Amy’s disappearance.

However, Affleck, a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, objected.

“I love David, I would do anything for him, but I will not wear a Yankees hat. I just can’t. I can’t wear it because it’s going to become a thing. I will never hear the end of it. I can’t put it on my head,” Affleck said.

A One-Man Riot Against the Yankees

The disagreement escalated into what Affleck jokingly described as “a one-man riot against the Yankees”, temporarily halting production. Matt Damon teased him about shutting down the set, while Affleck emphasized that it was a legitimate fight, not a casual dispute.

Ultimately, the compromise was for Affleck to wear a New York Mets cap instead.

“Reaching a point of compromise took a lot of shuttle diplomacy, so much back-and-forth. This was very Switzerland,” he joked, referencing the neutral stance of the Mets compared to the Red Sox–Yankees rivalry.

Historical Context: Affleck and Boston Sports Loyalty

The incident highlights Affleck’s long-standing loyalty to Boston sports teams. As a native of the area, he has publicly supported the Red Sox throughout his career, often joking about the rivalry with New York teams in interviews and public appearances.

Affleck’s refusal illustrates how personal beliefs and cultural identity can sometimes intersect with professional obligations in Hollywood. Despite the temporary tension, Affleck and Fincher reportedly maintained a respectful working relationship, with the Yankees cap dispute being their only on-set disagreement for Gone Girl.

Public Reaction and Legacy of the Moment

The story has become legendary among fans, often cited in discussions of actors advocating for personal values on set. Affleck’s humorous recounting, calling it “a coup” and “an uprising”, underscores both his commitment to authenticity and his comedic storytelling.

Even a decade later, the Yankees cap incident continues to resonate with audiences, especially sports fans who appreciate Affleck’s dedication to the Boston Red Sox.