It’s been expected that Ben Affleck would retire from his role as Batman after working on The Flash. It certainly made sense, considering Michael Keaton’s involvement in the film as his version of Batman. It would be a great way to pass the torch and bring things full circle. Interestingly, however, a new leak suggests that Ben Affleck might actually continue playing Batman after The Flash.
As revealed via insider KC Walsh on Twitter, he noted that DC is using The Flash to set up a possible Crisis on Infinite Earths film. This would allow them to switch between the new continuity established in The Flash and the original SnyderVerse continuity if Warner Bros so desires. As a result, if a Crisis on Infinite Earths adaptation comes to fruition, they can pick and choose characters such as Ben Affleck’s Batman to bring back.
For example, he explained:
“[The SynderVerse] sounds like it’s referenced but not explicit, I. E. Iris remembers Barry and Batman and Barry discuss him having traveled through time before, there are no direct references, no Knightmare universe, nothing specific outside of those discussions.”
Furthermore, he added:
“Batfleck is still very much done with DCEU, but leaving the door open for him to come back during a Crisis event if he wants makes sense, but I’ll take the L”
This definitely seems like a good way to keep fans happy while also allowing Warner Bros a way to keep all of their options on the table. If they can switch between one continuity and the next, and potentially even cross them over, then it gives them the ability to do virtually anything with these characters. Let’s just hope they don’t abuse this power and create a flowing narrative that can please audiences.
Fans will be able to see the upcoming film The Flash on June 23, 2023.