Though it seems to come and go, news about The Batman, the upcoming solo Batman film for DC Films, has been ever present for the last few years. With speculation that Ben Affleck may not play the character much longer, and the things the actor said himself in an interview last week, it makes it hard to know for sure what he’s actually thinking.
When asked about the film in a another recent interview, this time with USA Today, Ben Affleck said it was something he was contemplating, adding:
“You don’t do it forever, so I want to find a graceful and cool way to segue out of it.”
While speaking to The New York Times, producer Charles Roven said he thinks Affleck will still do the film, but isn’t totally sure:
“From everything I know, he’s going to play that Batman. They’re retooling the script, so I can’t really say anything for certain.”
Affleck was initially going to write and direct the film, but then decided it wouldn’t be a good idea for him to have such a big role on such a major film, so he stepped down as director and will only star in the film instead. Matt Reeves came in and re-wrote Affleck’s script entirely, so there has been a bit of uncertainty in that aspect.
Reeves has said his film will be different than The Dark Knight trilogy:
“The Dark Knight, which I think is an incredible movie, the thing that really resonates about that is The Joker … his story and that performance, and everything about the filmmaking that relates to that character – it’s his (Heath Ledger’s) movie. And I think Christian Bale is great, but I think that that movie movie really resonated with everyone because of that character (The Joker), its portrayal, and the way that the movie presented his unsettling perspective and the way that crashed up against Batman. I think I am interested in being even more inside of Batman.”
He’s also said it will show the detective version of Batman:
“There’s a chance to do an almost noir driven, detective version of Batman that is point-of-view driven in a very very powerful way, that will hopefully connect you to what’s going on inside of his head and inside of his heart.”
During a San Diego Comic Con appearance back in July, Affleck did say that he wanted to play the part for as long as he possibly could and would love to work with Reeves:
“Let me be clear. Batman is the greatest f–king part in the world. I am thrilled to do it.”
He added (in reference to leaving the role of director on the film):
“Trying to do that, and direct, would probably be too much. Something would be compromised. I think it came off, optically, to the broader world, like lack of interest or enthusiasm. When in fact I love this character. I think getting Matt Reeves to come in and do it is really, really exciting. Matt hasn’t really unveiled his full vision yet. He wanted to wait until Apes came out, and he was obviously consumed with that. So I’m looking forward to hearing what his story is.”
Whatever his plans are, we’ll hopefully know soon.
As for Batman, we’ll see him next in Justice League which hits theaters this Friday.
The film’s synopsis: Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes — Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash — it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
Would you like to see Ben Affleck in a solo Batman movie? Be sure to tell us your thoughts in the comments!