Ben Affleck implies he turned down directing 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

Ben Affleck is making headlines today for his passionate, profanity-filled rant about the Tom Brady Deflategate scandal on Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons. Affleck, who grew up in Boston, is good friends with Brady and a big New England Patriots fan.

HBO put the full episode of Any Given Wednesday online, and I decided to watch the entire Affleck interview. It turns out, there was some pretty big news there! Affleck strongly implied that he turned down an offer to direct Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

"Is it true you almost directed [Star Wars: The Force Awakens]?," Simmons asked. A rumor I hadn't even heard of until today.

"Well I wouldn't be able to say," Affleck replied with a slight smile. "It wouldn't be polite to talk about the jobs you turned down. But I did have a lot of offers."

On Jan. 24, 2013, it was announced that J.J. Abrams would direct the new Star Wars movie, and a few months later in August it was announced that Ben Affleck was the new Batman. It's funny how things work out sometimes.

You can check out the full Ben Affleck interview below, it starts around the 17:20 mark and he even talks a bit about Batman. The part about turning down Star Wars: The Force Awakens starts around the 20:42 mark.

116 comments

Manticore

June 23, 2016

*What*! I can't even imagine how that would've turned out. Amazing.

Aaron Sarnecky

June 23, 2016

Honestly, I don't know if he would have been the right choice. I haven't seen all of his films but they don't have same blockbuster production quality as the effects heavy movies J.J. Abrams had done prior to The Force Awakens.

Rob_wesb
June 23, 2016
Exactly my thoughts. Ben thrives when he works on a smaller scale and there's nothing wrong with that.
1. StarTheory
  June 23, 2016
  A little bit early to say that don't you think? We haven't seen him do something on a bigger scale yet.
  1. Rob_wesb
    June 23, 2016
    Better safe than sorry with a massive franchise like Star Wars
  2. Ace20xd6
    June 24, 2016
    Well his lack of experience was enough for Ben to want to turn down the directing gig for Man of Steel and JL back when it was being written from Gangster Squad writer Beal.
Ace20xd6
June 24, 2016
I think Batman is the perfect blockbuster vehicle for him.
Milo Yiannopoulos
June 24, 2016
It certainly would take practice. I didn't want to direct JL for that reason in 2013.

stijn

June 23, 2016

Star Wars Episode VII: Gone Luke

Kryptonian Knight

June 23, 2016

The best outcome happened, J.J did what he does best and we get the best Batman/Bruce Wayne on film. The definitive Dark Knight!

Virgil Scott

June 23, 2016

So does that mean if Affleck had taken the Star Wars job, JJ would be the new Batman?

Milo Yiannopoulos
June 24, 2016
LMAO! You might've gotten stuck with Amell or Brolin.

Danny Rodriguez

June 23, 2016

lol that analogy of going 19-0 but then BvS happened was spot on.

Memorian

June 23, 2016

I don't know if he'd fit for the Saga stories but maybe the Star Wars stand Alone films would be pretty interesting.

Knight Radiant

June 23, 2016

Would have been cool to see what he come up with but I am more excited to see what an Affleck Batman movie is going to look like.

Alan Conn
June 23, 2016
Exactly!

Danny Rodriguez

June 23, 2016

this guy must be fucking wasted. hes slurring all over this damn conversation

Kris Knight
June 24, 2016
Damn, I'm not the only one who noticed then. Don't want to jump to conclusions, but it is worrisome. It could be anything. But yeah, if it's just him being wasted, it's not good for him, it's not good for anyone.
1. Blockhead Jr.
  June 24, 2016
  Hes fine man, hbo is the place for that. He came for that freedom of speech.
  1. Kris Knight
    June 24, 2016
    True, but something's off in his speech and look. In any case, as long as he keeps in shape on the side and makes great movies, he's a free man.

Alan Conn

June 23, 2016

I can see them approaching him about it but im not sure how it wouldve turned out. Interesting to think about tho.

Meg
June 24, 2016
Who knows? Maybe WB was one step ahead and offered him the Bat's mantle before Disney approached him. Star Wars may be really really big in the US, but Bats is universal.
1. Alan Conn
  June 24, 2016
  Oh! Good point!
2. OGmacrazy
  June 24, 2016
  Given how Star Wars made over a billion dollars, in international msrkets alone, and BvS barely made 500 million, I'd say Star wars is kinda a bigger deal than Batman alone pretty much everywhere. When it comes to super heroes, though, then that's true.
  1. Afro Samurai
    June 24, 2016
    BvS did make more than 800 million world wide. TFA made a billion plus just playing on the nostalgia factor. It was a pretty sub par movie compared to it's older counterparts.
    1. OGmacrazy
      June 24, 2016
      No. Bvs made 500 in international markets (world minus North America). Star Wars made over a billion in those same markets, plus almost another billion in north america alone. I.E. Star wars made more in North America alone than bvs in the entire world. Not trying to hate, just rebutting an argument that was made, which was factually wrong.
3. Marcelo Giovanni Mendoza Cueva
  June 24, 2016
  Lol WUT?!?!?!?!?!? Dude, I am from Bolivia, a country you may have never heard of, and Star Wars is huge even here....Star Wars has way more fans than Batman (even though I love Batman)
BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
June 24, 2016
It would have been actually good and clever...not a repeat of ep. 4
1. Alan Conn
  June 24, 2016
  Agreed! And as good as tfa is it is ep 4!!! which was fairly disappointing for me.
  1. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
    June 24, 2016
    Im done with sw...especially after disney got it..
    1. Alan Conn
      June 24, 2016
      I can understand that totally. But the franchise has always meant so much to me that ill at least give em a chance. Its like people bitch about the prequel trilogy and while some of it was truly shit at least lucas was trying to be creative. In my opinion anyway. I also love Abrams but goddamn if tfa isnt mostly a new hope cash grab rip off... Which worked for disney... But its just that, thats the only reason disney cares. Fuuuck disney. And sadly its the same situation w Marvel. Theyre disney owned and i find the movies for the most part childish, safe, and disappointing, but i still try to give them a chance bc marvel has meant so much to me. OH HOW I TRY!!! Hahaha!!! But again disney s just gonna keep playin safe w mediocrity bc they want that guaranteed cash grab. Phew! Ok! Apologies and end spiel! Hahaha! Oh and p.s. Many dont agree and thats totally fine but so far, for me, DCs been knocking it outta the park. But again, thats just my opinion.
    2. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      Only the "childish & safe." They're adventure films like Indiana Jones & the originally Star Wars trilogy.
      I still don't get how Marvel does "safe" movies & BvS wasn't "safe".

Ray

June 23, 2016

That would have been really cool. I thought Abrams did a nice job, but an Affleck directed and maybe written Star Wars? Awesome. Well, at least we have him for Batman.

Zachsquatch
June 24, 2016
Agree with you 100%.

JaySilentBob

June 23, 2016

I don't think he was really necessarily implying that he was offered Star Wars specifically, but I think he was definitely saying he's been offered some other big projects. By the way, he would have knocked Star Wars out of the park!

Colton

June 23, 2016

Haha man I'm definitely going to have to start watching this show! God I hope in a few years Ben Affleck directs some type of star wars bounty hunter film.

Guy

June 23, 2016

Disney trying to lure Affleck away from WB

OGDickGrayson

June 23, 2016

If he turned it down he's an idiot. He would have done much better than J.J Abrams did.

Robert Palmar

June 23, 2016

Whatever Ben would have done would be better than the abomination J.J. Abrams foisted upon fans.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was the greatest disappointment I have ever experienced in a theater.

Kris Knight
June 24, 2016
True. Utter con job on the fans. He did play in big role in it, but I don't think it was Abrams as much as it was Disney execs. The formula used stunk of Disney.
1. Robert Palmar
  June 24, 2016
  I think Disney pretty much gave J.J. free reign however they bear a lot of
  blame based upon their prescribed ideas of how it should be approached.
  1. Kris Knight
    June 24, 2016
    From seeing what they do with Marvel, they draw out the plan and plot of their movies at a very high level (execs and marketers). They then hire movie makers to put that plan in play. The ask from Disney since they bought SW from Lucas was a reboot/remake. And that's exactly what we got.
    1. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      So, Disney comes to Feige & say "this is what you have to do?"
      Hmm.
    2. Kris Knight
      June 24, 2016
      Uhm yes. Did you read the pics you posted? Disney came to Abrams and gave him their sandbox: "Half reboot, half remake, but still in the same continuity, got it?". And Abrams took off with it.
    3. Knight-Errant
      June 25, 2016
      Yeah, I read the images. This stands out. https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
      Also, I've been searching around & can't find one interview where Abrams &/or his crew confirm Disney came with those specific directives. I see where Abrams talks about the concept as being his though.
      Do you have a reference you can post for me to read?
2. ArtimusGG
  June 24, 2016
  Couldn't agree more. TFA was uninspired and Disnified, not for me.
  1. Knight-Errant
    June 24, 2016
    You think Abrams was instructed to make a Star Wars episode the Disney way?
    1. ArtimusGG
      June 24, 2016
      I don't know, I can only say the end result was very "Disney." Meaning jokey, light-hearted, predictable, family friendly.
    2. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      I always feel sad for people on this site when I see them so concerned about "jokey" entertainment. I always wonder how joyless a life people have. All the movies getting critiqued have the same kind of witty banter 85% of the people I hang around with.
      It could be of the MGM mold. Roger Moore made a fortune & fame playing a super spy that were very much the adventure movies Disney has been producing.
      Plus, Abrams did the same for Star Trek & that's Paramount Pictures/Viacom.
    3. Kris Knight
      June 24, 2016
      You're absolutely missing the point and completely off target. What kind of comment is that, "having joyless lives"? For example, does watching horror movies mean you're monster in real life? Listening to metal makes you a dark human with no emotions?
      "Jokey"ness has its time and place. It's not universal. It's not a base formula required in every movie making recipe. That's the criticism of Disney and Marvel. It has become a stale, generic, repetitive formula. We all love comedy, we all kid around with friends and family. I'm one of the most upbeat and jokey person I know. But never did I ever require this aspect to be present in grown-up, dark comicbook movies. When the end-of-the-world is looming, Gods and Aliens are raining from the skies, I'm not really in the mood to crack one-liners left and right.
      I have no problem Marvel and Disney doing it repetitively in their properties. To each their own. But I personally prefer my comicbook movies more grown up and realistic, and light on the comedy.
      If the story is supposed to be dark, then no need for stupid one-liners. When the story is light, then sure, welcome the comedic elements. Chris Terrio explained it perfectly when he described writing BvS and JL.
    4. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      Couple things here; the notion of swashbuckling heroes laughing in the face of danger has been around longer then both of us.
      There's this assumption here that when the world is in peril, no one is "cracking one-liners" & that's false. People react differently to "adult, grown up" situations. McClane, Riggs, Bond, all have injected humor at moments of peril.
      Hell, the more a tense moments in life, the more I'm turning up my witty banter to add levity. I can guarantee you, if Gods & Aliens are raining from the sky, I'm going all in with one liners (though if they continue, are they really "one liners"?)
      The themes in the MCU movies (which I'm venturing you're directly talking about) are "adult & grown up". Adventure movies, which is what these are, can pump up action & humor to be an entertaining ride. I want to be entertained, not watch "reality".
      "Stale, generic, repetitive formula" is the bane of franchises. Pick one, Bond, Die Hard, Batman, Superman, Spider-man, Expendables, etc. and after the first sequel they run the same formula.
    5. ArtimusGG
      June 24, 2016
      I didn't appreciate the tone of TFA, it's overused and lacks depth. Just my opinion.
    6. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      I hate "jokey". If you want to say "addition of humor," that'd sound more accurate. "Jokey" sounds like characters are doing a set during the movie.
      Predictable? How many of these things aren't nowadays? Does anyone question if Bond is going to stop the bad guy & survive the movie? Who didn't foresee the "mega Deathstar" getting destroyed? What about Han's death; that one was really obvious.
      Family friendly? In today's day & age, most movies are just getting made for wider audiences. Why else would the last 2 Die Hard movies & recent Expendable movies be PG-13 with unrated home media releases?
    7. ArtimusGG
      June 25, 2016
      Take issue with my opinion all you like, makes no difference. I'm not going to suddenly change my opinion because you think my claims aren't valid. You obviously feel differently, good for you, you're not wrong and you have your reasons. Enjoy TFA and movies like it. I'll enjoy what I enjoy.
    8. Knight-Errant
      June 25, 2016
      1.) I didn't expect you to "change your opinion"; I'm not arrogant & closed minded. I'm merely stating your issues with Marvel movies could really be said about most movies at this point.
      2.) I do believe people on this site dismiss what Marvel has been doing simply as "jokey" & "comedies," which seems foolish. Doesn't mean anyone has to like them. Adventure movies aren't for everyone.
      3.) which sentence did I post indicate I liked TFA? I saw it once, 10 days after it was released. There's a reason I haven't sat through anymore viewings.
    9. ArtimusGG
      June 25, 2016
      Aw thank you, I think your attempt to be condescending is cute! We're just a couple of cuties, teehee!
    10. Kris Knight
      June 24, 2016
      For sure, the plan was drawn by Disney execs from the moment they finalized the deal with Lucas. Disney's plan is long-term. Their only objective as a corporation is to maximize their profits through this franchise, and merge it into their own ecosystem. The best avenue they imagined was the reboot/remake the first Star Wars, and rebuild from thereon in their own image. It caters to the old, nostalgic fans who were alienated by Lucas' prequels. It also enables a new generation to easily enter the fold. But for the hardcore fans of their EU, it's simply insulting to watch a watered-down and simplistic rehash of Ep4.
    11. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      No denying it's a rework of A New Hope (unless you're LegendInMyMind). Since Abrams has pulled the same with a non-Disney movie, I find the notion they slid a draft of a "Disney-fied" movie to him to make into a movie.
  2. Kris Knight
    June 24, 2016
    Uninspired is a good word to describe it. Disney wanted a reboot/remake of Episode4. We all saw it, that's exactly what we got. I'm not a fan of Lucas, I can't forgive him for failing big time with the prequels, but I agree with his statement that he would have tried to do something different. Disney's plan all along was to re-create the franchise to their image and vision. And it left us original fans disappointed and taken for fools. Of all the avenues they could have taken, it was utter insulting what they did.
    And along those lines, that's why I absolutely loved BvS. Snyder and company created something new and different. They didn't want to cater to the status quo, reboot TDK trilogy, or the 70s Superman. They alienated many because they didn't appeal to the lowest common denominator. They created a fresh new universe. And for that, I have the utter most respect for everyone involved at WB and DC. Those who "got" the movie understand its purpose in the grand scheme of things. It wasn't a quick fan service just to rake in the dollars, like we've seen Marvel and Disney do countless times. And the Ultimate Cut will further prove the awesomeness of what they tried to achieve.
    1. Blockhead Jr.
      June 24, 2016
      Probably my favorite elseworld dcu. Starting with a broken batman and idolized but very unapologetically human superman?
    2. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      Looking at storylines it pulled from, that's a good description of it.
    3. ArtimusGG
      June 24, 2016
      Taken for fools, that sums it up well. TFA is recycled ideas disguised as a "rebirth" with the stench of four-quadrant pandering so familiar with Disney movies.
      BvS, on the other hand, is literature on film. An experience I can only compare to watching Space Odyssey: 2001 over and over, enjoying the subtle nuances and attention to detail.
      There's a wonderful podcast called Justice League Universe that I've been listening to. Currently, they'r going scene by scene through BvS and talking about the themes and character development in the movie. I enthusiastically recommend it for anyone who enjoys examining and understanding thought provoking movies like BvS.
    4. Kris Knight
      June 24, 2016
      I agree at 110%, we're on the same page bud.
      I can't wait to watch the Ultimate Cut, because I want to see it the way it was meant to be. I saw the movie four times in the theaters, all in Imax. Each was better than the other. And I have stood by my original statement that it's a masterpiece. Like you said, it was pure art and literature on film. From scene to scene, it was like watching and analyzing a canvas. One small scene spoke a thousand words. You had to think to about it, give the movie a chance to open your mind and understand the themes it was trying to communicate. It was the most meticulously and passionately crafted CBM ever made.
      But as we saw with the reviews, the general population simply can't accept a summer comicbook blockbuster that has too much to think about. They focused on the negative (editing, title, gloominess, lack of jokes, etc), and threw it in the garbage ignoring all of its qualities. It was sad to see the reaction, but at the same time, it validated what I always thought about the low standard preset by studios like Disney, Fox and Sony on how formulaic, watered-down and generic CBMs have to be. Those guys cater to the lowest common denominator. When one sways from the norm, the pitchforks come out.
    5. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      Relax, the DCEU is 2 released movies in. I wouldn't be tooting my horn it won't be formulaic just yet. DC's comic book movies of the past were, it's not a leap to say this shared universe won't either.
    6. Kris Knight
      June 24, 2016
      You're absolutely free to voice your opinion. But by doing so, you proved my point, to the letter. For example, saying you don't understand Batman's motives, means the whole theme and character arc passed 10 feet over your head. God vs Man is exactly what has triggered the DCEU. SS, WW, and JL are all going to work this angle. It's a major story arc in DC comics. If that got to you, then don't bother with DC movies anymore, it's going to get worse. And Superman's death made perfect sense. Nothing else could have had the profound impact on the development of all the characters, to lead towards JL and the ultimate fight against Darkseid. And Superman being a Jesus-like figure, the resurrection moment is going to have a biblical-level impact. Everything made sense, everything had a theme and purpose.
      But like I said, it's your opinion.
    7. ArtimusGG
      June 25, 2016
      Totally agree. But I have come to accept that people can like whatever they want and it won't effect me. If everyone thinks Metallica sucks that won't stop me from blasting that shit in my truck. Same with BvS.
      I usually don't hate anything. I like things more than others, but I'm the kind of guy who can appreciate everything.
      It just so happens BvS was a labor of love for those who worked on it, and I can see all the things they put into the film. I love the end result, and I just hope they keep following their passion and that they find more success.
      Either way, I'll be watching BvS UC this Tuesday, yeyah!!
    8. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      I think you've drastically pumped up BvS. I'd hardly say it was "bold." I wouldn't exactly say it was "fresh".
      I do find the humor in the notion the "aristocrats appreciate BvS unlike the feeble minded simpletons" implied.
      Much like with BvS, people were never really going to be happy with Episode VII. The expectations were too high.
3. Knight-Errant
  June 24, 2016
  So Abrams is just a puppet?
  1. Kris Knight
    June 24, 2016
    More a company man.
BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
June 24, 2016
It was pure trash...
OGmacrazy
June 24, 2016
What? So, and I'm not saying you're one of these people, but people here are wuicker to criticize and bash on Force Awakens than Batman V Superman? I know this is a dc website and all, but god damn! That's some twisted shit right there.
Knight-Errant
June 24, 2016
Is their a source you can reference about Disney forcing Abrams to make TFA in their direction? I'm curious to read it.

Meg

June 24, 2016

Hard to know if he would ever accept. Ben seems to be quite loyal to WB. Then again, who wouldn't be tempted by such gigantic cash cow?
However, this got me thinking. Suppose if he had really accepted the offer, he basically would've switched side to Disney, and maybe eventually Marvel, then we would've never had Batfleck on our side. Woh...thank goodness he turned it down.

Rust

June 24, 2016

J.J. nailed it; Ben nailed it. We live in a beautiful time.

OptimistPrime99

June 24, 2016

F*CKING Batfleck, letting loose! AWESOME interview. Cannot wait to hear his full Armageddon commentary.

Guest

June 24, 2016

Star Wars is so overrated..

Spurple
June 24, 2016
The Force Awakens definitely is.
BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
June 24, 2016
Well said..
Knight-Errant
June 24, 2016
I always wondered if Star Trek fans felt as slighted about Star Wars as DC fanboys seem to get about Marvel.
1. residentgrigo
  June 24, 2016
  I like both DC + Marvel and Star Wars + Star Trek (not Voyager and Enterprise). DC and SW win with a landslide BUT none of the 2 coin sides can hurt too much without damaging the other, the crossover audience is huge.
  1. Knight-Errant
    June 24, 2016
    Much like politics, I don't stick to 1 "side." I like aspects, characters, & stories from each.
    1. residentgrigo
      June 24, 2016
      Bipartisan politics + thinking are some of the worst exports the US gave the world. Thank god i am German. DC and Marvel are even both published by Panini here.
    2. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      I don't mind the bipartisan. Without it, I'd feel like we wouldn't be given options. I just prefer to look at specific candidates instead of the general politics of a party. Here in the US, I think one party is naive & more closed minded then they pretend to be. The other is outdated & forgets people under 50 vote too.
      And the Kardashians HAVE to be our worst export.
  2. OGmacrazy
    June 24, 2016
    In terms of movies (critical reception and box office), DC wins by a landslide? What are you smoking, and can I partake on such an amazing thing?
    1. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      I believe he's referencing what he prefers between DC & Marvel.
2. Guest
  June 24, 2016
  I just care about good movies, I don't give a crap about franchises. Episodes IV & V were great. The rest is mediocre at best.
Kris Knight
June 24, 2016
What has made SW so big is the way fans have created a universe around the movies. The movies, by themselves, are very average and thin in content. Barely anything about the myth and legends of its lore. Barely anything about the history of its universe. Absolutely nothing on the background of its main villain (Palpatine). Really, the movies alone, they're nothing great.
But fans have embraced the Expanded Universe, and have created a world you can immerse yourself in.
However, at some point, the movies will need to start giving us more. Who are exactly the Jedi, the Sith, the history of their conflict, the other dark force users, the background of the villains and other important characters, etc. Lucas utterly failed to give us anything in 6 movies. Disney already has one strike with TFA. They better start giving us something deeper with Rogue One and Ep8.
1. Guest
  June 24, 2016
  Well said.

Mr. Five Rings

June 24, 2016

I love Batfleck and all but it's the Rams > Pats

@DC_CINEMA (instagram)

June 24, 2016

Thank goodness he chose Batman

neodymium

June 24, 2016

he probably hadnt gotten any sleep.

Knight-Errant

June 24, 2016

Despite the slurs, good to see Ben defending the wall. NFL is so damn corrupt. It'd be stupid to permit someone access to your phone records that you don't trust...especially when they already had the information from other people.

Theclaw Yaww

June 24, 2016

JJ did a great job I don't think Ben would have done it any better it's not a good fit at all

BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
June 24, 2016
A rehash was a good job?
1. OmegaCorleone
  June 24, 2016
  Well all the new parts did work well, if not better than everything that was copied and pasted from Star Wars.
  1. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
    June 24, 2016
    Sorry bro...that movie was corny af from start to its boring end...
2. Theclaw Yaww
  June 24, 2016
  He brought back Star wars from the prequels that in itself is mission impossible. In terms of story sure it was a bit of a rehash but it was a good way to re introduce star wars again for the newer audience and to bring some familiarity to the old audience that was disappointed in the prequels. This was a great setup to expand the Star Wars universe even further and I'm sure episode VIII will be more original in terms of story
  1. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
    June 24, 2016
    A bit? Dude point for point...movie was trash...you enjoyed good for you..I will pass on the rest..
    1. Theclaw Yaww
      June 24, 2016
      Ok i will and so will most of the people who saw it but have fun
    2. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
      June 24, 2016
      Your point? I will save my money for films worth it..
    3. Theclaw Yaww
      June 24, 2016
      It wasn't a point I just said we who liked it will watch the other ones and to you I said have fun. It's not that hard to understand

residentgrigo

June 24, 2016

Remember 3 years ago when Snyder was rumored to direct a main entry of SW, good time.
Disney knocked it out of the park with the new canon, the comics + Rebels rock, most books are good and VII (9/10) was my favorite film of last year! Thx Disney for saving Star Wars but i am starting to grow disillusioned with their treatment of Marvel, especially the comic division.

OGmacrazy
June 24, 2016
To be fair, both comic companies are absolutely lost when it comes to what they should do, and what not to do.
1. Knight-Errant
  June 24, 2016
  How so?
  1. OGmacrazy
    June 24, 2016
    Both changing races (or identities) of well known characters for the "diversity" (female thor, black Wally West, Falcon becoming captain america), absurd twists that won't last and are there just for the boost in sales, and not for the creativity (Superman being outted as Clark Kent, and losing his powers, which was a mediocre storyline without offering much in the way of character developing, or Captain America being a hydra sleeper agent all this time, though we still haven't had that whole story, so who knows), and the list goes on. There are current comic book runs that are some of the best of all time (Daredevil, Snyder's Batman, King's Vision, Azzarello's Womder Woman, etc.) but they seem very lost in what to do and not to do. At least marvel's figured out a way to remain on top of comic book sales every month: constant renumbering of issues. So many new #1's every month, it's crazy!
    1. Knight-Errant
      June 24, 2016
      Oh the books. I only read 1 book from the Big2; and they haven't figured out who the character is since his original series back in the 80s. Most of what I read is independent.
    2. OGmacrazy
      June 24, 2016
      Oh yeah, I was mentioning the book. Yeah, I definitely agree there, but I'd recommend you reading Snyder's Batman run, and some others. Very great runs with characterization, and great writing.
    3. Knight-Errant
      June 25, 2016
      I'll pass on Snyder's run. Ive read the plots to his stuff. I find some to rework old stories & others to be uninteresting.
    4. OGmacrazy
      June 25, 2016
      Oh you should read. The writing and characterization are probably the best on super hero comic books, and some of the stories were amazing. The court of owls and anything Joker related was a joy to read.
    5. Knight-Errant
      June 26, 2016
      Thanks, but again I'll pass. I've read the plots of those you mentioned & just don't find the concepts interesting. A brother might exist? Please, no.
      The current characterization pushes the notion of Batman being the mask for Bruce Wayne. I subscribe to the school of thought where it's reversed.
    6. lokifairy
      June 26, 2016
      Yeah you should pass. Snyder did write some good stories but overall his Batman run is one of my least favorites. I just hope King will do his own thing and not try to continue Snyder's style. The first issue of Batman written by King was good so there is hope.

The Doctor

June 24, 2016

Some Star Wars hate going on in this topic. Everyone is entitled to their opinions but I thought the Force Awakens was fantastic. Would of been interesting to see Ben's take on a Star Wars film, perhaps someday in the future.

Ace20xd6

June 24, 2016

Ben was also offered Man of Steel, I really wished he directed Batman v Superman instead of Zack.