Well, this is weird. Not the news, but the very fact I wrote an article not so long ago about the reasons why Affleck wouldn’t return as Batman. I’ll be the first to hold my hand up and admit I jumped the gun. However, the article’s reference was to the news that Affleck would return as Batman in a HBO Max project which is still wrong. You can read the article here. I did also state this could change, which I’m glad it has.
Onto the news, Vanity Fair has reported that Affleck will once again, don the cape in the upcoming Flash movie set for release in 2022.
This news comes as quite the surprise considering Affleck famously walked away from the role a couple of years ago. However, more importantly, it is welcomed news. I was a massive fan of Ben’s iteration of Batman, and most likely was my favorite adaptation to the character.
Michael Keaton is set to return to his role as Batman alongside Affleck which in turn, is showcasing just how strong The Flash movie is actually going to be.
A snippet from the Vanity Fair article can be found below, with the producer of the movie; Barbara Muschietti;
Barbara Muschietti, the producer of The Flash (and sister and longtime collaborator of the director), told Vanity Fair she had worried this might make him reluctant to return at all. “There have been some all sorts of stories and things he said himself about having a very hard time playing Batman, and it had been difficult for him,” she said. “I think it was more about a difficult time in his life. When we approached him, he’s now in a very different time in his life. He was very open to it, which was a bit of a surprise to us. It was a question mark.”
“We are all human and go through great times in our lives and terrible times in our lives,” she added. “Right now he’s in a place where he can actually enjoy being Batman.” Plus, he doesn’t have to carry the entire movie. “It’s a pivotal role, but at the same time it’s a fun part,” she said.
It makes sense that Ben would be open to returning to the role, and it actually makes sense for the DCEU. A key point to know is that Ben actually received the script last week and agreed to join the movie this week.
With Matt Reeve’s movie will feature Pattinson as Bruce Wayne as well, this does open up for the multiverse and the different actors portraying the character. It could set up a huge multiverse Batman movie. Imagine that?!
So yes, Ben is set to return. I am absolutely overjoyed at this, and can’t wait to see him finally put the cape back on. His chemistry with Ezra’s Flash will also be something to get excited about.
It’s also a positive push that, if the Snyder Cut truly lives up to the hype surrounding it, that we could potentially look at a sequel for the Justice League. Something I would honestly love to see.
What are your thoughts on Ben Affleck returning to the character? Let us know down in the comments below.
