Ben Affleck’s massive back tattoo is said to be real

Ben Affleck has an enormous phoenix tattoo on his back and it’s real, according to several reports out Friday.

The Oscar winner inadvertently showcased the massive tat -- a colorful phoenix gloriously taking flight -- splayed across his entire back while on the L.A. set of his latest film, “Live By Night.�

Affleck wrote the screenplay and directs and stars in the Prohibition-era mobster film adapted from Dennis Lehane’s novel. He was photographed on set with a heavily bandaged face and various other injuries, wearing a hospital gown. The gown’s back opening displayed his bold ink nearly in full.

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A lower-back sliver of the “Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice� star’s ink was seen in paparazzi shots back in July and fueled rumors that he’d had the artwork done for a role. According to TMZ, People and E! News, that isn’t the case. Affleck reportedly started work on the design as his marriage from actress Jennifer Garner was unraveling.

The 43-year-old is no stranger to body art: He reportedly has a dolphin tattoo on his right hip that covers the name of his high school sweetheart, a barbed wire design on his right bicep, crossbones on his right arm and initials on his shoulder blade.

Paparazzi have also captured several intimate-looking moments between Affleck and leading lady Sienna Miller, but sources told People “there are no signs of romance between them.�

“The paparazzi are there every day they are filming,� another source told the mag. “These photos are often used out of context. He is a great director who likes to hang out on set with those he is directing.�

Follow me on Twitter @NardineSaad.

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