AceShowbiz - Ben Affleck, fresh off his public divorce from Jennifer Lopez, seems ready for a fresh chapter in his love life. When asked by a friend about his ultimate movie star crush, Affleck unapologetically named Angelina Jolie, a celebrated actress equally well-known for her tumultuous personal life.

Affleck, 52, who has a longstanding admiration for Jolie's career and intellect, didn't let the fact that she was once married to his old buddy Brad Pitt deter his interest.

An insider shared with Daily Mail, "Ben said that he always thought that she was very hot and has admired how she has navigated her career, he has called her smart."

The source added, "He also thinks it's pretty cool that she has directed films too, something he has done many times with The Town and Argo. They would certainly have a lot to talk about over dinner."

Both actors are notably family-oriented. Affleck shares three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner while Jolie has six children with Pitt. The two Hollywood heavyweights have crossed paths many times at awards shows and industry events, often exuding a noticeable rapport.

Their connection dates back to at least 2001 when they were seen conversing intimately at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, and later in 2014, where they were captured gazing into each other's eyes at the Hollywood Film Awards.

While Affleck is dwelling on potential new beginnings, his respect for former flames remains intact. In the April issue of GQ, he discussed his respectful split from Jennifer Lopez, stating, "There's a tendency to look at break-ups and want to identify root causes or something."

"But honestly … the truth is much more quotidian than probably people would believe or would be interesting. There's no scandal, no soap opera, no intrigue [about our divorce]. The truth is, when you talk to somebody, 'Hey, what happened?' Well, there is no, 'This is what happened.' "

The actor further emphasized that their divorce was a normal result of people evolving differently.

Meanwhile, Lopez continues to thrive, sharing her current projects and personal milestones with fans on social media. She has also celebrated her role as a proud mother, spending quality time with her 17-year-old child Emme Muniz by bringing the kid to multiple Broadway red carpet events.

As speculations about a potential Affleck-Jolie romance swirl, only time will tell if Hollywood's latest twist will add another chapter to their storied lives.