After nearly one month of silence, Ben Affleck finally talked about being cast as Batman in 2015's Batman vs. Superman. Affleck was a guest tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to promote his new movie Runner Runner, but Fallon quickly brought up the big casting news. Affleck talked about how excited he was, and his meeting with director Zack Snyder. Affleck even addressed his "haters", and funny enough... Warner Bros. actually prepared him for negative feedback. It's great to finally hear from Affleck himself. The Batman talk starts around the 1:43 mark, check it out!
Ben Affleck finally comments on playing Batman, addresses criticism (video)
This is an archive of Batman-News.com from 2010 to 2025. For the latest news, check out BatmanNews.com
Comments (189)
Leave a comment
Join the conversation
A free account lets you comment, like comments, and get an alert when someone replies to you.
I think that was my comment he was talking about lol.
48 likesI was fucking kidding! Jesus Christ.
8 likes
who called me in vain? -_-
1 like
Glad he has a good sense of humor about it all.
51 likes
this is the only saving grace at the moment ~ though i am disappointed, as others have mentioned, that he didn't address the fans' concerns with more humility.
3 likes
He kinda said he couldn't. It's pretty clear whatever the new take is, it's so vastly different that whatever he says about it in his own defence as an actor will give away more than Snyder/WB will allow him to now.
Actually, I got the impression from this he's quite nervous about it, but doesn't wanna show it too much. Which is logical, even Brolin said he wouldn't wanna be Affleck now. I think Ben's gonna joke his way through everything until we have a trailer where he can show what the approach really is.
6 likeshe doesn't need to tell us anything about the movie ~ i'd just like to see him treat the reaction with a little more respect. "i can handle shit" is merely dismissive. the worst of the hatred should be dismissed, sure. but he is taking on an icon role when the last incarnation isn't even cold yet; he should appreciate that fans have very high expectations and i don't think anybody wants an arrogant batman.
10 likesFTR he said that about the reactions that might ensue, not about taking on the part itself. Also, I think this is his way of dealing with something this big, I think he has to somewhat relativise this for himself. People are different in how they handle this type of weight. It might not carry the dignified attitude fans would appreciate, but nor is it disrespectful imo.
This is literally the first time he's said anything about it and the conversation was already on the humorous side. I wanna see him respond more before I start judging any response.
2 likesno, i don't think it's outright disrespectful (matt damon was disrespectful). but it doesn't take that wee bit of extra care one would hope.
that's all.1 like
I think respect and care went out the window when people started sending thousands of death threats through the internet. It's how Affleck handles it. Look at how he talks about his kids, he pretty much called them ugly lmao but it's in a playful manner. Does it mean he hates them? No. Why does everyone always look into these kind of things so damn much. It's a Jimmy Fallon show for christ sake.
4 likes
actually he said that before he saw the comments. after he saw them he said he didn't read them anymore. what do you want him to do? send you a personal email and ask you all of your concerns and address them fully? I thought he made it clear that he wants to do a good job and believes in what Snyder and Goyer are doing with the character. He paid homage to Bale and what had come before. I think you're demanding too much of him. And I also believe Batman has a certain amount of arrogance about him. He would have to to dress up as a Bat and be taken seriously.
12 likesi'm actually demanding nothing (and to be honest expecting even less).
i'm do wish he would take a different tact, but he is who he is and i'm merely expressing my disappointment with who he is (whether he or anybody else cares is immaterial; it's my opinion and i have expressed it: the end).
and yes, he did at least say he wants to do a good job and he's excited about the project. things could always be worse.1 like
At the END OF THE DAY he's a MILLIONAIRE and I'm stuck in 100 grand in student loans. so.
4 likeshahahaha ~ isn't that the truth, alas.
for my own self at least i have the wee consolation of knowing that he's never made a bloody penny out of my pocket.
: D
0 likes
LOL awesome Response!!!
0 likes
Why? Of course he is dismissive of people who are over privileged complaining about his being cast as a comic book hero. Say it out loud, you would be dismissive as well when you realize how ridiculous people sound because they complain about a casting choice IN A MOVIE. Internet concerns aren't real concerns, so who cares. If he wants to be an arrogant batman, let him be. Thats what makes Wolverine so awesome, why not Batman as well? because it doesn't fit with how you view batman? Fine, write your own batman movie and cast whoever you want to star in it. But for the love of all that is right and good, stop acting like anyone owes you something in regards to movie casting.
13 likesthank you for your needlessly snotty and totally pressumptive response. you have done well today to contribute to the kind of internet incivility that makes online dialogue totally pointless.
also: hugh jackman seems to have no problem playing a jerk character without actually being one.
2 likesGingerbread Man is right though. It's funny how people think the studios, actors and writers owe them something. Is it because they buy the comic books or watch the movies? Cause you're one of millions to be honest and it's a trade. You give them your money and they give you their movies and comic books. Hell, half of the people out there pretty much download them too.
0 likes
You just had to bring common sense into an internet debate... How dare you!
5 likes
Batman is kind of arrogant :) Part of why I love him.
0 likes
Cause he doesn't know the background of being a batman fan. And these dorks think he's going to kill it. But he's just going to play dare devil all over again sorry
0 likes
Look, if you don't like the casting choice just don't watch the movie. I imagine many people will play Batman as the years go by, so if you really hate Affleck that much you can just wait for when a different movie with a different actor to come out.
You constantly rant about being a "true fan," but what is a true fan? I have been a Bat-fan my entire life. The dude's my idol! Yet I, unlike you, am willing to accept different incarnations of the character- from both bad and good actors. I simply love the character so much I'm willing to see his bad-assery in any form presented.
If I don't like Affeck's Batman I'll crack open some comic-books and enjoy those. Or I'll re-watch the animated series, or watch The Dark Knight trilogy. Heck. Maybe I'll watch some of Adam West's stuff. There's alot of different ways to get ones Bat-fix. Also, Daredevil was made 10 years ago. Wars start and end in that much time. People can change.
5 likesSo what your telling me is... You would like to see batman fail in our eyes as fans on the big screen. I been a fan since the 80's okay. And had numerous batman party's as a kid and as I got older I left the kid stuff and went to the mature. And in my eyes It's not that I don't wanna see batman in the movie, it's just the simple fact that THIS IS THE FIRST SUPER/BATMAN MOVIE. I would expect a better choice of an actor to play my hero. Why can't people understand that. I mean I wouldn't put Liam hensWorth as superman, even tho his body is ridiculous. but the accents wrong and so is the hair. So why would I paint him as superman. AND I DON'T RANT. mostly I responded to others, And make simple comments like "NOOOOOOOOOO" or " this sucks". Not a whole speech.
0 likesI never said that I "would like to see Batman fail... on the big screen". I said that I am "willing to accept different incarnations of the character". Everybody has different expectations of the character. Some like the goofy West Batman, some like the murderous Burton/Keaton Batman, and some like the realistic (if not comic accurate) Nolan/Bale Batman. Me? I, personally, like them all. And in the end, unless the character is completely pooped on like in the Schumacher films (which were mostly bad due to poor writing and directing), I will probably enjoy Affleck's version of the character.
If Batman/Superman is a bad movie I'll be disappointed, but I'll get over it. It is true that this is the first time the characters will be on the big screen together, but it will certainly not be the last. Also, we cannot always have what we want. I would like Kevin Conroy to voice Batman for all eternity, but that isn't going to happen. Plus, the guy you want to play Batman might be somebody that everybody else hates as the character. As Dr. Manhattan might say, It's all relative. If WB ever listened to all the fans for casting choices in their movies than nothing would get produced because we all have separate opinions.
I don't think we should assume the film will be bad because Affleck is playing Batman. I mean, we can't assume it will be good either because we might get our hopes up. I think that when its released, all us Bat-fans should watch it without bias and then judge it. And if you can't do that, then just don't watch it. If enough people agree with you, then the film will be a bust and Affleck will never wear the cowl again.
You're not gonna be able to stop the movie from getting made. That's the truth of the matter. If Snyder and the rest of the people working on the film haven't changed their minds now- after all the rage and frustration online- do you you really think they ever will? They, for whatever reason are dead-set on Affleck and no amount of internet raging or petitioning will change their minds. Hollywood is stubborn like that.
As a side note, I wish to say that I respect your opinion and think that you have every right to feel the way you do. I just believe its best to wait for the trailers before deciding whether or not the movie will be good.
3 likes
Perfectly said dude!
0 likes
i liked when he said: "ben Affleck is going to be Batman... Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" jajaja!
23 likes
i'm not mexican... i'm from Argentina... good luck with your... well... wish you the best!
17 likes
Sorry about that. I deleted his comment!
26 likesno problem my friend!
10 likes
Ché! Buenos Aires? jeje
3 likes
I want to see him address the "batman should not have a boston accent" concern. That's serious business.
3 likes
He's an actor who will change that, most of them do change the voice for the various rolls, look at the guy that played "house" and he was from over seas...lol
6 likesI'm well aware of what actors are capable of and people love to bring up house and christian bale and other examples like that but I'm actually a filmmaker and I work with actors a lot and there's something a lot of people don't understand: It's actually easier to do a completely different, foreign accent than it is to make SUBTLE changes to an accent similar than yours.
For example, I'm from alabama, and while I've got a slight southern accent, it's obviously more based on where I'm from. Well---if you asked me to go do the accent of someone from mississippi.. that would actually be harder for me to do than if you asked me to do a british accent. Why? Because a british accent is totally different and I can just run with it and not sound anything like myself, but a mississippi accent is only SLIGHTLY different than an alabama accent and therefore the changes are very tiny and it's easy to fall back into your natural way of speaking when you're trying to make such tiny changes.
So with that said, I'd give Ben Affleck a better chance to do a european accent, than I would give him a chance to do an American accent with ZERO hint of boston in it. It's almost impossible to take all the hints of your original accent out when you're doing something so similar (remember in silence of the lambs when hannibal is like "you've tried hard to get rid of it but I can still hear that virginia in you" it's a lot like that and I'm one of the type of people who can hear these things very well)3 likes
That's the least "serious business" there is. Who's to say Gotham City isn't in the northeast U.S.? It might be the DC Universe equivalent of Boston, as Metropolis (in the Christopher Reeve Superman movies) was the equivalent of NYC. (In fact, I distinctly remember that being a discussion in fandom back in the '70s- yes, that's how old I am. Now get off my lawn!)
4 likes
He's gonna nail it
42 likes
He's gonna fail it.
5 likes
I kinda see the whole Bruce Wayne facade, by the way he's dressed and socializing. Very spirited, like someone who is trying to hide his real identity and occupation.
Now we'll see how he does being grim as a villain in Runner Runner.
I'm gonna be open minded Ben, I'm gonna trust that you say you really want this role.
15 likes
I like his well spirit and his attitude towards this reaction. He IS Batman folks!
9 likes
7 likes
Bieber looks GREAT as Carrie Kelly!
13 likesMaybe he should play him ..it would do so well ;)
0 likes
Yeah ok.
0 likes
I totally lost my a ton of money tonight. The over/under on how many times he said he was excited was 37 and I took the over.
2 likes
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
12 likes
This really sucks seriously ...now people are going to start changing their minds, when in fact a true fan could see he is not perfect for the role . This movie is going to be mad .
0 likes
thats what they said bout heath as joker ...and well...the rest is history
21 likesNo no no no.. Ok , they might have said that about Heath . But their was no hard backlash on him playing the joker... It was more so, I wonder how he's going to play him. And Heath acts wayyyyyyyyyyyyy better then affleck. Seriously it's going to be chessey
0 likes
http://www.moviecitizens.co...
No hard backlash on Heath huh?
You have such a small mind I actually feel sorry for you.
14 likesEveryone didnt react as harsh as they with ben. meanng they didnt give heath a str8 up no.
1 likedid you actually go to the link brianT provided? The backlash wasn't as widespread as it was with ben, but it was just as harsh. Just go to the link and read some for yourself. Here's a few good ones: "You're joking right. That's not right!!" and "This is terrible" and "I am NOT seeing this movie if he's in it. There are a million better choices..." "...ledger just doesn't have what it takes"
and you said they didn't say straight up no? here's one that literally says and I quote: "Hell NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
3 likesBut still you fucking idiot. I would choose his talent over affleck a any day. Point blank. He's going to suck, maybe not that bad but really he's not going to take it to that level. I'm sorry Ben once again is all about the money. Not the character
0 likesYou need to chill out, and stop calling people names.
9 likesTell him Chris!
1 likeChris you been hating on me since It came to your attention how I appreciate catwoman and even tho her comics do suck at times. So continue on keeping a grudge
0 likes
what the actual f***?
1 like
My man... you are what they call here in the Bronx a ratchet... hahahahaha
(Sorry Chris I had to LOL)
0 likesAnd your what they call here in Brooklyn a waste. Sorry web head, sling back!
0 likesHahaha I'm so sorry you still exist... Must be painful... xD
0 likesyou're*
0 likes
Your WRONG... Quit Trolling you fool. -_-
1 like
dude are you kidding me i remember when i heard heath was playing the joker i was driving and almost crashed in the shock that broke back mountain dude was playing my fav. villain i was sooo pissed and furious and then when i saw the trailer oh boy did i eat my words.. even my gf at the time was like you have something to say now???
4 likes
Actually a true fan would see the possibilities it establishes and not be narrow minded.
11 likes
All of you are sooooo fucking all over the place its not even entertaining. Due to the simple fact that all of you probably masterbate to that jackass affleck. And i actually feel ashamed for your stupid ass for even being a fan of batman and actually considering dare devil to be batman. when in fact again, Did not even spawn a sequel. but its ok for the "Gili" costar to play batman. Which i might add was another of his fast money makers. That actually FAILED. hmmm yeah ok. First off, your clearly stating heaths acting ability is not as up too part with bens ability. Your dumb as rocks if you think that. Cause too compare the two is just unreal. His body of work alone is more stable then bens, not to mentioned he started before heath. Even his own girl got a sequel before! Him. "EleKtra" REALLY!!? and you want ben to play batman. Well expect alot of sarcasim and bad laid back jokes. Just because he kinda looks like arkham verse version of batman, only in the mask at that. Doesnt mean shit if the acting isnt good.
1 like
too stupid; didn't read
Seriously though everyone just google "Javon Cooper"
... your welcome.8 likesAhh I'm too lazy to read the comment. Saw the down votes you got (one guest vote huh, is that you?) and just ignored it.
1 like
Sorry javon u have no clue bale looked Absoulutley Nothing Like Bruce! Affleck is Bruce exactly straight outta the comics
3 likes
Ummm, I never said he did. And affleck, I will say only looks like him with mask on from the arkham series.and bale had that young Bruce swag which Ben doesn't. He's going to play batman very low tone and moody ... Yay. But he so wack in his acting. He's opposite costar was j.lo for god sakes and even she still confused abt what race she plays in all her movies uuuuhhhggg ...this so bad.
0 likesThen you do it CryBaby lol
2 likes
I am a true fan and I think he will be fine.
3 likes
For once I'm looking forward to this. :3
1 like
Ive said this on other thing but I think he'll do a great job besides the Flash is my favorite lol
2 likes
This sucks so much
1 like
Dude, calm down :) you're still gonna see the movie and complaining wont change anything. Just accept it and hope, hope that he'll direct the Batman movies.
13 likesYou suck so much I don't even need a trailer to tel, me Affleck will be abetted Bruce and batman then bleak fleck is Batman,
3 likesWell that was orginal
0 likesAnd so, what your telling is christian sucked as batman? Smh -_-
0 likes
Is this the new hater around? Cuz gosh you cryyyyyyy!!!! damn... find a better hobby dude...
5 likesThen go away. Problem solved.
2 likes
He's all about just the MONEY! , I'm sorry to tell you that world. But him and Matt Damon are just in it for the money . Like he said, he snubbed Argo ;) uuuuhhhggg when are you people going realize, his take on the bat is going to be so DARE DEVIL.
3 likes
He wants the money!!! Im telling you.
1 like
Yes, because in Hollywood, everthing is made for the ~ART~
6 likes
best answer ever! LOL
4 likes
They make movies for money? Whaaaaat?
My entire perspective on the film industry has suddenly changed!
4 likesIt's not about money, it's about sending a message
2 likes
I have to say I'm one of those peeps that wrote "noooooooooooooo" as soon as I heard this fuckery...lol I still don't want him to be batman, but, look forward to see how he has grown as an actor...
2 likes
Christian bale was fucker read a comic bale looks NOTHING like Bruce a affleck Exact
Y spot onansvis 6ft 4 way taller than shrimps bale Tallest Batman Ever!1 likeYeah, because screw acing!
1 like
Exactly. These people really wanna see ben, just playing ben. A rich snobb who cant act. Hes playing batman people! Our hero for some of you apparently And im starting to doubt half the people on here that really wanna see him play batman.... ok so, he has a fucking nice chin to fit the mask and kinda looks like arkham verse version in the suit only, Whoopie fucking do!
0 likes
AFFLECK you can do it well !!!!! we believe in you!!!
36 likes
And how many likes you got on this?
1 like
he has 13 u have 5 dislikes. You're the Vocal minority..
14 likes
As long as we all forget Daredevil. Oh, right. Nobody remembers Daredevil because it was *awful*.
1 like
THANK YOU!
0 likesIm sure you are the exact same person you were 10 years ago right?
8 likes
Just checked the below comments out of curiosity and wishing I hadn't now. Isn't the whole divide on Ben Affleck getting a bit tired now? He WILL be playing Batman, get over it and wait for the film to come out—no amount of whinging will change that so be a decent human being and give him a chance. I wasn't 100% sure about the casting choice but some of the comments I've read sicken me to think that some people are that malevolent. I'll stop there as I feel my pants are getting ranty.
13 likes
Amen!
2 likesTHEIRS EVEN A FUCKING PETITION OUT THER FOR HIM NOT TO PLAY BATMAN . REALLY PEOPLE ... Really batman fans whoa. I lost respect for most. Bens playing Yay.
0 likes
maybe everyone will get lucky and he'll come down withe the flu or something and not be able top play batman and then warner brothers can hire someone one can act to play the dark knight.. Bale didn't get a bad reaction fro playing batman before the film came out.. it will just be ben affleck that gets the well deserved bad reactions... everyone thought joel shumocker nearly killed batman in films.., but ben affleck will be the one who really does it
1 like
THANK YOU ...YOUR A FAN. Obviously
0 likesNah he's a Moron just like u lol
5 likes
Nolanite Trollanite stupid idiot bale sucks much like ur shit taste lol
1 like
Am I the only one reading between the lines of him mocking the fanbase and not mentioning anything about doing the character justice? Most peple in his position would appear humble and say there taking this serious that they been a fan of batman since a child . Reminds me of mat damons statement a few weeks ago. What an ego maniac. Just keeps talking about zacks take and nolans 'cool trilogy' when the flack is on him not fitting the role not the movie itself nomatter what zack has planned.
Unless ofcorse...zacks plan is to have ben afflecks batman die 5 minutes into the movie and a far better actor steps into the suit?
2 likes
Dont see the movie then I'm sure your $10 is sooo important to them... He's The god damned Batman deal with it..You Fanboys are embarrassing to real fans..
7 likesNooooooo, your considering this jackass to play a hard hitting symbol of justice. Who can't even act!!! ACT!!!!!! ACCCCTTTTTTTTT. You fucking idiot. Bottom line he can't act that aggressive. I'm expecting him to yell the entire movie.
0 likesDude are you trolling dude you keep flaming all over the place and nobody like your posts..lol calm down tiger nobody cares what you think..
1 likeBut you.
0 likes
No, you're not the only one. There are plenty of tools out there just like you with poor comprehension skills.
1 likeYay. We have a teacher .
0 likes
THANK YOU BATMAN FAN. WE SMELL BULLSHIT A MILE AWAY, THANKS TOO BATMAN. HE TAUGHT US WELL. I can't believe these fans here are wanting him to play batman !!!??? Beyond crazy, you mind as well say Justin bieber should play Jason Todd!! WTF!!? Idiots
0 likesyour NOT a batman fan your a bandwagon BitchMoron lol
4 likesLMAO BitchMoron? I don't know if it's how I pronounced it (with a hard B and CH) but that is awesome, I'm totally taking that.
0 likes
This is just Ninja theory all over again. Whoever don't trying to be humble and take the advice from fans, they just suffered. Look at NT and Crapcom right now, I believe they are so regretting not listen to the fans' suggestion.
1 like
This is just Ninja theory all over again. Whoever don't trying to be
humble and take the advice from fans, they just suffered. Look at NT and
Crapcom right now, I believe they are so regretting for not listening to the
fans' suggestion.
1 like
W.T.F.MAN, JUST SCREW U & UR KIDS!
0 likes
Chill the hell out, Crazy fanboy.
4 likes...
2 likes
I love the fact about Ben Affleck been excited of what Zack Snyder is doing, its a great indication about the film been following the same great quality of 'Man of Steel'. And his answer was awesome, nice see him taking the situation with good humor, and was a good point Warner preparing him for the backlash. I'll believe we will se a different Batman of Bale, but still keep the good track.
11 likes
"The idea was to be a symbol.. Batman can be anybody ..that was the point"
11 likes
I didnt mean it literally dumbass
0 likesWhat the hell is the non-literal meaning? O.o
1 like
I think it is truly, truly sad that the studio had to prepare Ben Affleck for the backlash they were expecting. So that means the studio was expecting the pointless, irrational, and immature "petitions" and the hatred, and the ridiculous comments. No actor should ever have to be "prepared" for hatred. Honestly, I think Ben handled it and is still handling it well. Granted, I am sure he is offended by the comments and maybe a bit scared. I could tell he was a little nervous once Jimmy brought up the Batman thing. I sincerely think he wants to do the best he can and wants to please the fans. The fact that people are upset because he was being "comical" and didn't take his interview seriously is stupid. No one takes an interview on Jimmy Fallon seriously. That isn't the place for serious conversations, or to address some of the undeserving fans who have criticized him from the beginning. I am sure that once they start filming, and during Comic Con, we'll get the more "appropriate" responses that some are wanting. But viewing some of the comments on this post just prove why Ben has probably been ignoring the fans and aren't respecting them like they feel they deserve. Some aren't respecting HIM. Maybe if you respect him, you'll get what you want.
8 likes
If they make Batman just like the one in Injustice Gods Among Us.. then I'm good with that
0 likes
I agree with you on that!
0 likes
I hope we see the first pic of him in the new suit in December, January or February! Very excited!
1 like
Probably closer to February since that's when they start shooting and they probably don't want our first look at Batman to be from set photos. I can't wait!
4 likesThat's initially why I thought they'd release a pic of him in the suit before shooting begins. Still hoping for December though, you never know!
0 likesI hope we gets lots of cell phone videos again. The cell phone videos from TDKR were awesome. For a second there we got to see what youtube would be like if superheroes were real. haha
1 like
Browse By Topic
Browse By Year
Browse By Author
This is an archive of Batman-News.com from 2010 to 2025. For the latest news, check out BatmanNews.com