Jennifer Garner Recalls Intense Fight Scene That Left Costar With Ear Injury

Key Points

• Jennifer Garner revealed she once bit costar Sala Baker’s ear during filming of The Kingdom (2007).
• The incident occurred in a fight scene with minimal choreography, directed by Peter Berg.
• Garner compared the moment to Mike Tyson’s infamous 1997 boxing incident.
• She reunited with Baker while filming Season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me, reigniting memories of their past collaboration.
• Garner joked that she and Baker still bring the same aggressive energy to their scenes today.

A Startling Behind-the-Scenes Memory

Jennifer Garner has shared a surprising story from her time filming the 2007 action thriller The Kingdom. While promoting Season 2 of her Apple TV+ series The Last Thing He Told Me, the actress recalled a fight sequence that escalated beyond scripted choreography, leaving her costar with a painful reminder of the shoot.

The Kingdom’s Brutal Fight Scene

Garner explained that director Peter Berg encouraged her and stunt performer Sala Baker to fully commit to the fight scene, which had little planned choreography. “He told me to do anything I could to survive,” Garner said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

In the heat of the moment, Garner said instinct took over. She climbed onto Baker’s back and bit his ear hard enough to leave visible damage. “I bit his ear, and we have a picture of him missing a chunk of ear,” she recalled, likening the incident to Mike Tyson’s infamous ear bite during his 1997 boxing match against Evander Holyfield.

Reuniting With Sala Baker

Nearly two decades later, Garner reunited with Baker while filming The Last Thing He Told Me. The memory of their earlier collaboration resurfaced, and according to Garner, their scenes together carried the same intensity.

Crew members reportedly urged caution during filming, but Garner dismissed the idea of toning things down. “He’s not going to be careful. I’m not going to be careful,” she joked, adding that she had “a score to settle.”

Context: Garner’s Reputation for Commitment

Garner has long been known for her dedication to physically demanding roles, from Alias to action thrillers like Peppermint. Her story underscores the lengths she is willing to go to deliver authentic performances, even when it means crossing into unscripted territory.

What Happens Next?

With The Last Thing He Told Me returning for Season 2, Garner continues to balance her reputation as a versatile dramatic actress with her history of intense, physical performances. Fans can expect more behind-the-scenes stories as she revisits past collaborations and embraces new challenges on set.