Ben Affleck Will Reportedly Return to the DCEU for a Standalone Batman Movie — If He Gets Creative Control
Ben Affleck had more than his fair share of critics when it was revealed he had landed the role of DC’s Caped Crusader in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. But when they saw his performance, his critics suddenly went silent. After reprising the role in Justice League and Suicide Squad, Affleck quietly walked away from the DC Extended Universe. At the time, Affleck was dealing with serious personal issues and the timing wasn’t right. But now, the Oscar winner has seemingly gotten his life and career back on track. After signing on to play Bruce Wayne again in The Flash, rumors are swirling that Affleck will return to the role of Batman in another solo flick. His only requirement is complete creative control.
‘Justice League’ star claims the DCEU had an ulterior motive with Affleck casting announcement
As Cinema Blend notes, the DC Extended Universe has struggled in theaters. The most glaring example being Justice League. When Zack Snyder had to leave the project due to a family tragedy, Warner Bros. enlisted Joss Whedon to help finish it before its release date.
After a massive amount of reshoots, Justice League ended up being nothing like Snyder’s original vision. It disappointed at the box office and failed to impress the critics. Ray Fisher, who played Cyborg, has publicly spoken out about his experience with Whedon on the film.
He accused the director of being “gross, abusive, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable” to the cast and crew. Now, Fisher claims that Warner Bros. had an ulterior motive with the Affleck casting announcement.
Fisher says the studio making the announcement just two days before DC Fandome was an attempt to silence his claims.
“Unfortunately, the fake Frosty news with Jason wasn’t the only PR tactic used to distract from the seriousness of the JL situation,” Fisher tweeted. “Ben returning as Batman was clearly meant to be revealed at DC Fandome. I’ll give you one guess as to why @wbpictures likely jumped the gun.”
Ben Affleck isn’t the only Batman in ‘The Flash’ movie
In addition to Affleck returning the role of the Caped Crusader, Michael Keaton will also reprise the role in The Flash. According to ComicBook.com, the two Batmen appear as part of the DC multiverse.
During recent Batman Day celebrations, director Andy Muschietti shared some of his own Batman art. It appears to be a hybrid of Affleck and Keaton’s respective Batman costumes. The sketch features the smaller Bat Symbol from Keaton’s suit, but the material look of Affleck’s.
According to Screen Rant, Muschietti has confirmed that Bruce Wayne will design Barry Allen’s suit in The Flash movie. Considering the film is inspired by the Flashpoint comic book series, many suspect that Affleck’s role is going to be much larger than originally anticipated. The story features Barry traveling back in time to prevent his mother’s murder. Ultimately making severe alterations to the timeline.
For many, the fact that Affleck’s involved in the movie at all is an indication that he is ready to return to the DCEU for his own solo Batman flick.
Ben Affleck demands creative control to return as Batman in a standalone film
It’s been more than a month since Warner Bros. revealed that Affleck would be reprising his Batman role in The Flash. Just days after the announcement, Warner Bros. shared their plans for the future of the DCEU at Fandome.
Since then, as We Got This Covered points out, the rumor mill has gone into overdrive about Affleck’s future as Batman. Warner Bros. and their parent company AT&T wanted Affleck back in the DCEU. And, there is no doubt that Affleck has some unfinished business with the role.
After the Justice League disaster, Affleck retired from the role. But after closing a deal on The Flash, a very reliable insider claims that Affleck is considering a solo Batman flick. However, the source claims Affleck wants creative control if he agrees to return.
The insider says that the current pitch is a prequel that takes place before Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. And, it would most likely be made for HBO Max. Just like the Zack Snyder Justice League cut, starring Ben Affleck, which hits the streaming service in 2021.
