EXCLUSIVEJennifer Lopez Taking The Reins In Bennifer 2.0, Was 'So Passive' During First Romance With Ben Affleck
Feb. 5 2022, Published 12:03 a.m. ET
Less than a year after rekindling their romance, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are ready for their second act.
According to a source, the couple — who called off their nuptials in 2004 due to “excessive media attention” — plan to walk down the aisle this year, with Jen, 52, running the show. "Ben is letting her plan the wedding, every detail," the source tells OK!. "She’s even controlling how and when they announce it."
The Last Duel actor, 49, is content with letting Lopez take charge elsewhere, too. "Ben has relinquished a ton of control to Jennifer," confides the source, who points to the Marry Me star as being the mastermind behind Affleck’s stylish new makeover. (The Oscar winner stepped out in a dapper, all-black suit en route to a meeting in L.A. on January 24.)
Not that Affleck minds being bossed around a bit: "He’s normally such an alpha, so letting Jen take the reins is a welcome break." Meanwhile, getting back with the former Fly Girl has inspired the actor to better himself on his own accord. "He’s been on his best behavior and doesn’t drink anymore," the source says of Affleck, who’s been open about his battle with alcoholism.
J.Lo — who, says the source, has "come into her power" after a slew of failed relationships — is also thriving. "She was so passive with Ben the first time they were together," says the source, who notes the thrice-married singer had the same dynamic with ex Alex Rodriguez. "This time, things are different."
- Jennifer Garner & Her Kids Are All 'On Board' For Ben Affleck's 'Imminent' Engagement To Jennifer Lopez, Source Spills
- Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Look Smitten While Attending L.A. Screening Of 'Marry Me' After Sources Predict An Engagement Is 'Imminent'
- Take That, 'Gigli'! Ben Affleck & Jennifer Lopez Want To Give Costarring In A Movie Together 'Another Shot,' Source Spills
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Now that they’ve figured out the blueprint to happily ever after, Affleck and Lopez are eager to tie the knot — with the Hustlers star paving their way to the altar.
"The power shift from Ben to Jen is something you can’t miss," adds the source. "It seems to be why things are working better this time around."
As OK! previously reported, Affleck's ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, and their children — Violet, 16, Seraphina, 13 and Samuel, 9 — are all for the power couple getting engaged. "Their kids are all on board," a source close to the family insisted, adding that "even Jen Garner thinks it's a good idea."
Another source emphasized it is "just a matter of time" before they get engaged for the second time. "There's no question that Jen and Ben will be engaged."
