Warner Bros. wants Ben Affleck to direct 'Justice League', reports Variety [Update]

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August 8, 2012

Variety reports that Ben Affleck will be meeting with Warner Bros. executives in the next few days to talk about directing the upcoming Justice League movie. Back it June it was reported that the script was being worked on by Will Beall, and so far Affleck is the only director who has been given the chance to read it. With Christopher Nolan walking away from Batman it seems like Warner Bros. is eager to get the ball rolling with a Justice League movie. Stay tuned to Batman-News.com for all the latest, I'll be giving it the same great coverage you've come to expect.

Update 08/09/12: Variety rival, Deadline, is reporting that Affleck is likely to turn down the Warner Bros. offer.

SOURCE: Variety

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107 comments

RE Junior
August 8, 2012
(•_•) well then, i guess Ben( •_•)>⌐■-■(⌐■_■) is a true daredevil
AndrewBatReview
August 8, 2012
Wasn't he supposed to be working on "The Stand"?
Kane52630
August 8, 2012
The Town and Gone Baby Gone has proven he can direct and write a great film, I hope it happens.
1. thefallen83
  August 8, 2012
  Thank God I don't have to write this. Totally agree!
2. R
  August 8, 2012
  I agree as well. The guy knows how to direct a movie.
3. TDKR
  August 10, 2012
  He knows how to direct but not how to act.
Tom
August 8, 2012
Warner Bros are only doing that cause they got joss whedon for the avengers, and they think by getting a household name to slap onto the movie, then people will see it, warner bros are a crowd of chimpanzees
1. Drew
  August 8, 2012
  Or the fact that he has made two great movies.
  1. Antrozous
    August 9, 2012
    Two GREAT movies? Talk about overstatement! Good films yes, but great?
  2. TDKR
    August 10, 2012
    He did make two great movies. But if you think that's the SOLE reason they want him, you don't know WB. I mean, why are we even getting a JL movie so early? And when the Avengers just released?
2. Chunk Morris
  August 9, 2012
  Outside of the nerd spectrum, Joss Whedon - while big - is HARDLY a "household name" like Ben Affleck. Puh-leez, dude.
3. Revenant
  August 9, 2012
  Ben has probably invested more time in the reading of actual comic books than 90% of the trolls here, who have Google and Wikipedia to thank for their "comic book knowledge!"
  1. TDKR
    August 10, 2012
    True. 80% here may be really good Batman movie fans but they don't seem to be that knowledgable about comics.
    No offense to anybody, of course. Just pointing out.
4. TDKR
  August 10, 2012
  Just to reply, Whedon was never a household name. Not like Spielberg or Cameron. Most of his stuff were cult hits, never mainstream.
  I'm glad he's getting his mainstream recognition! He's on his way to being a household name.
Rvg_26
August 8, 2012
I WOULD LOVE THIS, AND TO THE DOUBTERS I SAY GO AND RENT A LITTLE MOVIE CALLED "THE TOWN" WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY AFFLECK. I THINK HE WOULD BRING THE SAME SORT OF REALISM WE'VE COME TO LOVE FROM NOLAN.
THIS RUMMOR IS PROBABLY NOT TRUE, BUT IF IT IS, I'M ALL FOR IT.
1. BroOkLynCoMicNoOb
  August 8, 2012
  I don't even think he wrote The Town. I belie e it was Mat Damon and Ben Affleck just changed the name on the script. :-/
  1. Rvg_26
    August 8, 2012
    Direction, screenplay and staring role are all credited to Affleck.
    Hey, I'm not saying it's a shoe in, he's had both really good and really crappy films. What I'm saying is that, judging from "The Town", I can see him making a down to earth, gritty and realistic superhero film that maybe wouldn't stray too far from the Nolanverse. That is, of course, if that's the direction they choose to go, rather than just rebooting the whole thing (wich I would hate).
    1. B.
      August 8, 2012
      Why would you want a realistic superhero movie? The only realistic superheroes that can work are ones like Batman, Punisher, etc. But Superman. Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, etc? That can never work in a "Nolan" type of world like you say, know what I mean? I hope it's actually like a comic book.
      1. diogo02000
        August 8, 2012
        Sorry, but if you think the Nolan's Batman is all about been dark, gritty and realistic, you are wrong.This is the style of the director, but his batman films is about the simbolism of a amazing persona (even he was a semi-realistic one) in the our society and how his presence afects us, himself and what he stands.They are trying do to iit with 'man of steel', and apparentely they got it.If this style works in MOS, you better be sure this will be the tone of JLA and the rest of DC Cinematic Universe.
      2. Rvg_26
        August 8, 2012
        thats what i'm rooting for
      3. B.
        August 8, 2012
        I'm not sure what are you trying to point out to me?
        I was just stating my opinion
      4. diogo02000
        August 8, 2012
        Sorry B. , was not my intention been agressive or something.
      5. TDKR
        August 10, 2012
        If you want a dark and gritty STYLE, then that would work for JL, like it does for MOS.
        But if you want a "realistic" JL, it would never work in hell, save for a few heroes like Batman, etc. So the best way to go has to be like MOS: dark and gritty style but unrealistic and comic book-y.
      6. Rvg_26
        August 8, 2012
        Hey, we all have our ideas on how it should be done. I, for one, think that Nolan showed the world that you can make a superhero movie without making it a ridiculous adaptation of the truth. But I'm not talking about taking the "fantastic" out of it, obviously if you have a movie about people with super powers, it stands to reason that it would be pretty "fantastic". However, if you compare what MARVEL has done with their movies, you'll see there's a VERY big difference in how their world compares to Nolan's. There's absolutely no reason why it wouldn't work with other characters with actual powers. Let me put it this way, if for some reason Nolan decided to write and direct a JL movie, do you think it would suck just because the Nolanverse doesn't agree with super powers? Do you think everyone at WB wouldn't piss their pants in joy if Nolan decided to do it? Do you really think it couldn't be done? I, for one, would LOVE to see them continue on the same universe and do wathever tweeks needed to make it work. But that's just me, I'm sure your points are just as valid.
  2. Wesley Gibson
    August 9, 2012
    nonsense
    he wrote the entire script..he inserted a line from GoodWillHunting in it as a gag &homage to his best friend Damon
Jonas Aksel
August 8, 2012
hi!
i would just like to say that i really like this site
regards jonas
1. thefallen83
  August 8, 2012
  Thanks and welcome brother!
Jon Stepien
August 8, 2012
Is this a joke?
1. thefallen83
  August 8, 2012
  Obviously you got stuck on "Gigli" and "Daredevil"
Robert McDougal
August 8, 2012
That could work
Brandon Watson
August 8, 2012
DO IT!!
lethargicj
August 8, 2012
Ben Afleck was my first choice to take over Batman, but this is close enough. YES! YES! YES!
1. BatmanNewsChris
  August 8, 2012
  He loves to star in the movies he directs... don't rule it out just yet!
  1. lethargicj
    August 8, 2012
    I don't mean to play him, to direct it. The Town + Batman = awesomesauce.
    I don't think he'd ever play a superhero again judging by this quote:
    By playing a superhero in 'Daredevil,' I have inoculated myself from ever playing another superhero. Wearing a costume was a source of humiliation for me and something I wouldn't want to do again
    But...Maxwell Lord?
    1. BatmanNewsChris
      August 8, 2012
      Oh, I gotcha! Misunderstood your comment at first.
Shawn J.
August 8, 2012
Not sure how to react to this.
JOnnyKnows
August 8, 2012
This only means one thing: the script is a crime thriller with great action and human plot, the problem is that he acts in the films he directs, he will cast himself as bruce wayne hahah
1. thefallen83
  August 8, 2012
  Totally incorrect. Refer to lethargicj's quote on Ben up here.
Brian Clark
August 8, 2012
I would love to see his interpretation. Judging from "The Town" he can do it.
BroOkLynCoMicNoOb
August 8, 2012
My expectation went from a 9 out of 10 to Negative 3. Ben Afleck has to be one of the worst actors. Even though I enjoyed Gone Baby Gone and The Town I don't think it would be a good look for him to direct a Justice League movie. I think I rather see M Night Sha whatever direct a JL movie. Who would you guys like to see direct a JL movie.
1. QueenChaos
  August 8, 2012
  M Night? So at the climax we find out that the Justice League is really Coyote Ugly on bad drugs, Batman is Superman and Superman is actually a comic book nerd in a coma.. But wait.,.he wakes up only to find it's all true after all.. But wait, Wonder Woman is Satan in disguise, and they're all in a Hell-Matrix.
  But wait, this comment is a terrible dream and someone else will certainly direct it. Thank goodness.
2. Shawn J.
  August 8, 2012
  Hell no! M. Night Shyamalan needs to stay away from JL, DC and Marvel! His only positive work was "The Sixth Sense." Nothing he has done before or after hasn't even been half as good. I'd take Affleck over Shyamalan any day of the week.
  1. G Menon
    August 9, 2012
    I beg to differ. Night's second major movie, Unbreakable is his best and is about the finest "superhero" movies (not based on any comicbook) that I've ever seen. I easily rate it alongside the likes of Nolan's Batman films. Sam Jackson's role in this makes his other comicbook characters look amateurish.
    And I'm speaking as someone who has been unimpressed with, disliked or downright hated nearly every movie Shyamalan has made since then. I agree that he shouldn't get a JL/DC movie, not until he redeems himself.
    1. lethargicj
      August 9, 2012
      100% Agree. Unbreakable is amazing. His other movies, blah. Sixth Sense was friggin terrible. A whole movie based on a twist that is given away in the very first scene of the movie.
3. Dion Johnson
  August 9, 2012
  Shamylan hasn't made a great film since Signs(Devil was good,but not Great) and he made arguably one of the worst movies of the 21st century(Last air bender)
  .....and you say he would be a better director?
Guest
August 8, 2012
Want Christopher Nolan to direct or produce the movie...
diogo02000
August 8, 2012
Well, he is a comic book fan, in Argo, his next film, will be Jack Kirby references.He was Superman in Hollywoodland, and have roof he is a great movie director.Smart move by WB, and huge trolling by WB calling Daredevil for doing what Foggy Nelson have done in Marvel HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Drew
August 8, 2012
Still think he would be a better fit for a solo film.
Sir Nicolas Cage
August 8, 2012
Does this mean Ben Affleck is going to be the next Batman?
1. Another Bloody Bastard
  December 28, 2016
  hehe ;)
  I came from the future
  He'll be amazing batman
  Here's is the trailer for the JL
  https://www.youtube.com/wat...
N33da
August 8, 2012
Spielberg should do it
Patrickkieranwilliams
August 8, 2012
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Franz Valmonte
August 8, 2012
I agree with most of the comments. I think he is the man for the job. JLA's characters have a lot of potential and if each will be given a chance to appear on the big screen, we may see a good Justice League movie. There's no need to reboot the Batman or Green Lantern (I still think that Ryan Reynolds is a perfect choice but the issue is with the director and the writers). I hope they give justice to Superman this time. Then give the Flash, Wonder Woman and Aquaman their own movie then start the League.
leftysmoke
August 8, 2012
I wholeheartedly approve! The Town and Gone Baby Gone were brilliant. Affleck really found his calling as a director.
Make it happen, WB!
Geeky Randy
August 8, 2012
Yet another reason why this movie is going to suck.
TRINI REAPER
August 8, 2012
So they hire Daredevil from MARVEL to direct Justice League? Tsk tsk. Their punishment must be more severe. DC > MARVEL
1. thefallen83
  August 9, 2012
  Your comment is so pathetic. That deserves punishment.
  1. TRINI REAPER
    August 9, 2012
    You're riding my dick, your punishment feels more severe.
2. TDKR
  August 10, 2012
  This is just pathetic and pointless. No one is talking about Marvel here and you bring it up for no reason than to say DC's better. If you like DC more, then fine. But there's no need to flaunt it over others companies/studios.
  If you don't like both, you can like only one and leave the other out of it. Please.
  1. TRINI REAPER
    August 14, 2012
    I correct myself, my bad. IMO I just don't see how their gonna direct Aquaman..
selina meow
August 9, 2012
i think they should get david goyer
1. selina meow
  August 9, 2012
  zack synder would be good
  1. BatManFan_NYC
    August 9, 2012
    You're kidding right?
    1. TDKR
      August 10, 2012
      He's a good director...but only a good director. He shouldn't have any part in the script.
      But let's not forget, he did Watchmen justice and his Superman movie looks to be coming nicely.
2. Nik
  August 9, 2012
  My choice would be Wally Pfister, because we saw the best Batman trilogy through his eye and he worked very closely with Mr. C.G. Nolan (Christopher 'Genius' Nolan) so he might adapt his tricks/technique & approach. Besides if that happens, chances are that Mr Nolan would produce it! :)
  1. CmputrBlu
    August 9, 2012
    Not sure Nolan's take, or a variation would work with JL. Now if you want to make a Selina Kyle prequel or a Nightwing movie in Nolan's universe, then why not.
    Not to take anything from Wally; but I think he would have to have some directorial work under his belt before taking on summer blockbusters along those lines.
3. lethargicj
  August 9, 2012
  David Goyer has about as much right to direct this movie as I do.
4. TDKR
  August 10, 2012
  They should get him to help with the script but not direct.
Antrozous
August 9, 2012
Is not so much who directs the damn thing, it´s more about the concept that worries me, Batman has no business there(and spare me references to the comics since I know it´s in there), just do a Justice League without him...
1. CmputrBlu
  August 9, 2012
  Watch the Justice League animated series if you haven't. He's the best unofficial leader of the group. Trust me you don't want Superman in charge. :)
  Anyway if done in the tone of the animated series (I use it as a benchmark as my knowledge of JL comes from the animated incarnation), Batman belongs there and it will work.
  Of course I want them to do the whole thing in CGI. Live action might be a whole different issue entirely.
  1. Antrozous
    August 9, 2012
    I know how cool Batman looksin the animated series, he owns every scene that he´s in but at this point in a 4 years distance I cannot imagine a Batman riding along aliens and amazon godesses specially in a live action film. But hey I´ve seen the cinematic trailer for DC Universe Online and it was sick so who knows what I´ll think further down the road? I´m trying to be open minded about batman´s future but I cannot stop worrying about where it´s going from here...
    http://www.youtube.com/watc...
2. lethargicj
  August 9, 2012
  Let's make a movie based on a comic but doesn't reference the comic. Riiiiiiiight.
Super_Guest
August 9, 2012
Regardless of his acting work, Affleck is a very good director, and an Oscar winning writer. I'm all cool with this.
Oskar Jacobsson
August 9, 2012
Ffs, not him.... Let Nolan do it, it can't fail if Nolan does it :)
1. lethargicj
  August 9, 2012
  "Let Nolan do it" As if Warner Brothers wouldn't hand Nolan the key to their entire studio if he'd do it. You can't "let" somebody do something he has no interest in doing. Nolan did everything he wanted to do with Batman, he's done, he ain't coming back, it's time to move on.
  1. Oskar Jacobsson
    August 10, 2012
    I mean, if he would be up to it, "let" him do it.. If he isnt up for it, then he shouldnt do it..
2. TDKR
  August 10, 2012
  Wow, I really hate when people think Nolan should do everything...I respect the guy a lot but he's not a God, people.
  JL just isn't his style of movie. I doubt he can pull it off.
  1. Oskar Jacobsson
    August 10, 2012
    Yeah, but he is as close as it gets, lol. And yeah, a film like that wouldnt be dark at all... maybe not his style...
    1. TDKR
      August 11, 2012
      Oh, I see. Well, he is GREAT but not that close. The JL movie should be dark and gritty but unrealistic and comic book-y. Nolan can do dark, gritty and realistic but we need more fantastical elements in JL. You know.
Brad Hominem
August 9, 2012
As long as he's not IN the movie, sounds like a good idea.
Stefan Jr Simonka
August 9, 2012
Dafuq did I just read?

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This is an archive of Batman-News.com from 2010 to 2025. For the latest news, check out BatmanNews.com