Ben Affleck Almost Directed the ‘Homeland’ Pilot

Somewhere out there lies an entire alternate universe of weird TV, where John Cusack played Walter White of 'Breaking Bad,' and 'The Walking Dead' remained NBC's most popular series.  Did you know that Ben Affleck nearly directed the pilot episode of 'Homeland, an incredibly strange twist of fate in light of his recent success with 'Argo' and increasing reputation as a director?  What caused the Hollywood star to pass on directing such a beloved Emmy-darling property?

In another strange TV twist of fate, we've learned some bizarre news from The Hollywood Reporter this week re: everyone's favorite 'Argo' director and star Ben Affleck.  Once upon a time, the star had been attached to direct the pilot episode of Showtime's Emmy-winning terrorism thriller 'Homeland!  Speaking at the Casting Society of America’s annual Artios Awards upon accepting his Career Achievement award, Affleck explained his reasoning for the pass.

Affleck and wife Jennifer Garner apparently share a family compromise rule with regard to work, which in the instance of the 'Homeland' pilot worked in favor of Garner.  Garner had her own movie to shoot, while the 'Homeland' pilot would have forced to head to North Carolina, away from the children.  “I was sure nothing would happen with the show,” Affleck joked.  “Now I hate the f----g show. I’ve never seen it.  I’m going to attach myself to 14 pilots this year.”

What say you?  Would 'Homeland' be any more or less spectacular with Affleck in the director's chair?  Did you watch Sunday's "Q&A?"