Batman is one of those roles that broody male actors dream of, bringing credibility and popularity to nearly every person who plays the caped crusader. However, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t going to happen for the newest Batman, Ben Affleck. It also seems like he’s had enough because for the upcoming Batman film, he will not be donning the cape and cowl.
Deadline reports that Affleck is stepping away for the role as director Matt Reeves begins work on The Batman solo film for summer 2021. Affleck confirmed the news on Twitter:
Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life. https://t.co/GNgyJroMIO
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 31, 2019
For those of you who don’t remember, Affleck was to direct and star in the film, but handed over directing duties to Reeves in January 2017. And, according to Variety, the studio is happy with Reeve’s early work on the script and that Reeves has been spending the last few months finishing it before he began meeting with new actors. Rumors abound as to whether they’re looking for an older or younger Bruce Wayne, but we don’t know til they lock in a choice.
I’ll admit, I never much like Affleck for the role, given that he was not charismatic enough to really make the character interesting or nuanced. I mean, he sure got the brooding part down but there’s more to the character than that. What I am hoping for is that they pick an unknown for the role, so there’s a fresh face for the Dark Knight, rather than having to mold our expectations around an already existing persona. Whoever they go with, it’s sure to be a fascinating take and maybe even the promise of a better DCEU for all.
The Batman is scheduled to premiere in theaters on June 25, 2021.
