MAN OF STEEL 2 | Ben Affleck as the New Batman Analysis

The internet is ablaze (with mostly moans and groans) at the announcement that Ben Affleck has been cast as the new Batman.  The same thing happened when two other actors were cast as major characters in a DC/Warner Brothers;

1. Michael Keaton as Batman in Tim Burton’s take of the character in 1989. fans wrote in to WB complaining about the casting choice but Keaton proved them all wrong and went on to star in a total of two Batman films and would have stayed on if the director hadn’t left.
2. Heath Ledger was originally not approved by the rabid fan-base online, need we say what he went on and did with the character of the Joker?

Ben Affleck on the other hand has the acting chops AND directorial vision to deliver as Bruce Wayne/Batman. At 41, he fist the bill for the older Batman they have been looking for. To top it off, he has also been in proper shape. Think about it, have you ever seen him fat?

Ben Affleck joins Ryan Reynolds as the only other actor to have played two superheroes from two rival comic book publishers, that’s worth the bragging rights!  The other similarity isn’t as pretty seeing as in both had the unenviable pleasure of being part of a production that flopped; Affleck Daredevil (2003) and Ryan in X-Men origins: The Wolverine (2009). To get one over Ryan though, Ben has played 3 superheroes in total 😉 He played George Reeves in Hollywoodland. George Reeves owned the role of Superman when he portrayed the character.

The Bigger Picture

What’s the bigger picture you ask? After Daredevil Ben Affleck swore off wearing spandex of any sorts and being a symbol or hero or whatever… AND later on when he transitioned into directing, he also swore that he wouldn’t direct any film he didn’t star in. Stay with us here… Could it be that he has been offered (a give-and-take-deal?) a possible directorial role for the inevitable Justice League film?  It is a strong possibility seeing that he was one of the rumored directors to helm the franchise’s transition to the big screen.  Warner Brothers has a strong relationship with Ben Affleck and he has delivered something that even Christopher Nolan is yet to give Warner Brothers, a Best Picture Award at the Oscars. That’s what Ben did with Argo. Before that, the studio had last won that prize with The Departed (2006)…

Here’s a copy of the press release from Warner Brothers regarding this casting decision:

“Ending weeks of speculation, Ben Affleck has been set to star as Batman, a.k.a. Bruce Wayne.  Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in “Man of Steel.”  The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
The studio has slated the film to open worldwide on July 17, 2015.
Last month’s surprise announcement of the new movie featuring both Superman and Batman created a wave of excitement and immediately fueled discussion and debate—among fans as well as in the media—about who would put on the cape and cowl of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego.
Snyder successfully re-imagined the origin of Clark Kent/Superman in the worldwide blockbuster “Man of Steel,” which has earned more than $650 million worldwide to date, and climbing.  The director will now create an original vision of Batman and his world for the film that brings the two DC Comics icons together.
Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise the role of Superman/Clark Kent.  The film will also reunite “Man of Steel” stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane.
In the announcement, Silverman stated, “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some.  His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character.”
Snyder also expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck, noting, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman.  He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne.  I can’t wait to work with him.”
Kroll added, “We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman.  He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.”
Affleck recently starred in the Academy Award®-winning Best Picture “Argo,” which he also directed and produced, earning acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination for his performance in the film, as well as a number of directing honors.  In 2010, he starred in and directed the hit crime thriller “The Town.”  His recent acting work also includes “The Company Men,” “State of Play,” and “Hollywoodland,” for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.  Earlier in his career, Affleck starred in and co-wrote (with Matt Damon) “Good Will Hunting,” for which he won an Oscar® for Best Original Screenplay.
The new Super Hero film is being scripted by David S. Goyer from a story he co-created with Zack Snyder.  Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller serving as executive producers.
Production is expected to begin in 2014.
The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.” Collider