Ben Affleck has admitted that Pete Postlehwaite was reluctant to sign up for his role in “The Town”.

Affleck, an Oscar winner, who directed the co-wrote the Boston Irish heist thriller was determined to get Postlehwaite on board but admitted that he had to chase the brilliant actor.

“I had to call Pete five times, as he kept turning me down – I had to accommodate him because I knew how great he was,” said Affleck.

Co-star Rebecca Hall said “I didn’t need any persuasion. It was a no-brainer. 'The Town' is a classic, old-fashioned good yarn.”

The movie had a strong opening weekend in the United States and will be launched in Ireland this on September 24. It beat off “Easy A” and “Devil” over the weekend.

Affleck said “I’m shocked and pleased. It is a modest movie, it’s R-rated but obviously people want to see it.”