When Warner Bros announced in August of 2013 that Hollywood A-list actor Ben Affleck would be playing Batman in their future DC Films, fans early reactions were all over the place. That however changed with Affleck debut as the Dark Knight in Batman v Superman. Even though the film is considered a box-office disappointment and had negative critical reviews, Ben Affleck’s performance as Batman has been highly praised.
Following Ben Affleck’s appearances as the Dark Knight in Batman v Superman and Justice League, Warner Bros were planning to make another solo Batman film together. In addition, Ben Affleck was also reported to write, produce, and direct the solo Batman film, referred to as The Batman. However due to the negative backlash of the Batman v Superman and Justice League, along with widely reported issues in Ben Affleck’s personal life, forced him to leave the project.
Warner Bros however decided to continue their new solo Batman film without Ben Affleck and hired Matt Reeves as director and cast Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne. The upcoming The Batman film will be an isolated story and will have no tie-ins with the DCEU, similar to Joker that starred Joaquin Phoenix.
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Fortunately, Ben Affleck has agreed to reprise his role as Batman in the DC Extended Film Universe (DCEU). Affleck is reported to star is the upcoming film, The Flash, featuring Ezra Miller, after this year’s HBO Max release of Zack Snyder’s new cut of Justice League.
Ben Affleck’s Batman Twitter Wars
Fans of Affleck’s Batman were overjoyed when they heard about his return to the DCEU. However, many of them also couldn’t help to wonder what Affleck’s take of The Batman film would have been like. Sadly even with Affleck’s return many fans, including film critic Scott Mendelson, gave their own thoughts on why Ben Affleck originally left the solo project.
When Mendelson posted a tweet questioning why the DC Film Universe has so many continuities, he blamed Batman v Superman and even proclaimed that Ben Affleck originally left as Batman due to the film’s negative reception. However, Oliva dismissed that rumor and replied to Mendelson’s Twitter post.
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According to Justice League storyboard artist Joy Oliva recently told in twitter response of why Affleck’s original version of The Batman film would have made fans happy.
Oliva stated, “I was working with him [Affleck] personally just prior to him leaving the project and not once did he seem like he didn’t want to be Batman.” Oliva then added His version of Batman in his solo movie would have [made] fans proud”. Hearing this should be heartwarming to Batman fans. If true, his statement showed that Affleck actually wanted to give us one of the greatest and most unique Batman films yet.
What Really Happened to Ben Affleck’s The Batman Solo Movie?
Ben Affleck’s original version of The Batman would have been set in the DCEU and would have focused on Batman as a crime fighting detective. It’s been reported to have featured Deathstroke as the main villain with Joe Manganiello reprising his role. Manganiello already appeared as Deathstroke in a cameo in Justice League’s post credit scene.
Director Zack Snyder previously showed his support for a Ben Affleck directed Batman film. Snyder commented, “Look, I would love for Ben to make that Deathstroke movie. That would be amazing.” Snyder then added, “I don’t know that he’s going to, or that they [studio Warner Bros.] want him to, but I would love for him to do it. That would be so cool. And Joe is amazing.” Hearing Snyder statements just showed how much believed in Affleck.
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Ben Affleck did comment on why he originally left the project in an interview with IGN. Affleck explained:
“Never happy enough with it where I thought it was worth going out and making it because I just didn’t want to do a version that I wasn’t really excited by.” Affleck then added “[Warner Bros.] said, ‘Would you want to direct and star in a solo Batman movie?’ I found that I had lost my enthusiasm or passion for it. This should really be made by somebody for whom it’s their wildest dream come true and, for me, it had become something different and it was clear to me that it was time to move on.”
However, Affleck did end his statement by saying:
“But I do have some really fond memories, particularly of Batman v Superman, and how exciting that was. And how energizing it was and how much fun we had.”
Even though Ben Affleck left the project, fans at least know he didn’t want to make a film that would have disappointed fans, because of his sincere love for the Batman character. But on the bright side, Affleck will still return as the DCEU’s version of the Batman and fans can’t wait.
Matt Reeves’ The Batman is scheduled to premiere March 4, 2022. Zack Snyder’s Justice League will premiere on HBO Max in March of this year.
Would you still want to see a Ben Affleck directed Batman film? Let us know in the comment section below or over on Twitter!
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Source: CBM
