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How 'The Batman' can make Ben Affleck, Matt Reeves, and Warner Bros. all happy

By

Chris Begley

·

on How 'The Batman' can make Ben Affleck, Matt Reeves, and Warner Bros. all happy

There is nothing I'd love more than for Ben Affleck to star in a Batman trilogy directed by Matt Reeves. But the fact is, Ben Affleck only has one more movie left on his contract after Justice League. Affleck is an incredibly busy guy with lots of talents and interests. He already has his next two directing jobs lined up, and I don't see him signing up for more Batman movies.

And then there are the rumors. Rumors of Affleck's departure have been popping up all year. Some from terrible sources, some from ok sources, and some even from reliable sources like The Hollywood Reporter. As fans, I think we have to acknowledge that Affleck not starring in The Batman is a real possibility... even if you think there's just a 1% chance. So how can The Batman, which Reeves has said is the first of multiple movie ideas he has in his head, make Affleck, Reeves, and Warner Bros. all happy?

Matt Reeves

I think that The Batman will take place 10 or more years before Man of Steel, giving us a Batman who isn't just starting out, but one who is in his prime. This will allow two things: 1) Reeves will be able to cast a younger actor in the role, one who is able to commit to a trilogy. And 2) it will allow The Batman to still be part of the DC Extended Universe, while giving Reeves tons of creative freedom. We'll see stories of Ben Affleck's Batman before the events of Batman v Superman and Justice League, not unlike the Wonder Woman solo movies (the sequel is rumored to take place in the 1980s during the Cold War).

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck loves playing Batman and has one movie left on his contract after Justice League. If he doesn't star in Matt Reeves' Batman trilogy, he'll still get to play the character one more time. Warner Bros. is making a lot of Batman-related movies, so the possibilities of where he could show up are endless.

Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. gets three Batman movies from Matt Reeves, while still getting Ben Affleck as Batman in another movie. Batman is their most profitable superhero, so the more Batman the better.

So that's how I think Warner Bros. and everyone involved will handle The Batman situation. Matt Reeves will be able to cast a new actor to tell the stories of a young Ben Affleck Batman, while Affleck will still get to fulfill his contract and play the older version of the DCEU Batman one more time. Reeves is happy, Affleck is happy, and Warner Bros. is certainly happy.

But what do you think? Is this a realistic scenario that you think could happen? Am I crazy and will Affleck sign up for another 10 Batman movies? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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  1. Josh D. Avatar
    Josh D.

    I've thought about this before too. They could start the trilogy off like Wonder Woman began and Affleck reflecting back and have a younger actor play him even. Let Affleck do JL2 and then ride off into the sunset.

    1. Davonedoyle Avatar
      Davonedoyle

      What about after that. The universe isn't just going to stop after JL2. So what are they going to do with Batman.

      1. Canucks Fan Avatar
        Canucks Fan

        They could easily do Batman Beyond version of Bruce Wayne and have Terry Mcginnis be the Batman after JL2.

        1. Davonedoyle Avatar
          Davonedoyle

          Batman beyond is way too early. By the time they make jl2 they will be in phase 2 and making sequels and origin movies for different characters like green arrow, booster gold etc. I think they might still want to use bruce Wayne batman by then. JL2 will probably be right after flashpoint or a couple movies after. And Batman will probably happen 2019 or 2020 with flashpoint happening one of those years. Also I thought Batman beyond was in the future?

          1. Canucks Fan Avatar
            Canucks Fanreplying to Davonedoyle

            2040 according to the film Batman Beyond Return of the Joker so yeah probably 10 years too early depending on when JL 2 happens

          2. Davonedoyle Avatar
            Davonedoylereplying to Canucks Fan

            Oh I didn't know that. Maybe Nightwing can take over and in phase 4 they do Batman beyond

        2. nipple_pinchy Avatar
          nipple_pinchy

          No.

      2. Josh D. Avatar
        Josh D.

        What I'm saying is have Bruce decide to hang up the cowl in JL2. It wouldn't stop them from doing a series of prequels.

      3. Mark Avatar
        Mark

        Here's the thing: I don't think they contracted anyone for more than three movies. Not Henry, not Ben, not Gal. I think the original intent was, solos plus JL1 & 2 and then play it by ear with the next phase post-2020. (Admittedly, that puts us in a weird spot with Henry and Gal because of BvS, but maybe Henry wasn't originally planned to have more than a cameo in JL1.) Ben, of course, didn't have a solo Batman movie on the original slate.

  2. thefallen83 Avatar
    thefallen83

    Another actor to play a younger Batman within the DCEU could be beyond confusing to the average movie-goer, so there's an inconvenience there. I love Batman, and I love Affleck's Batman so let's see where this goes...

    1. Chris Avatar
      ChrisBatman News Archive

      Well that's the thing... it'd technically be part of the DCEU, but only to hardcore fans like us. To the average movie-goer, it's just another Batman trilogy.

      1. Canucks Fan Avatar
        Canucks Fan

        The average movie-goer should have to go to comic book school before viewing these films :)

        1. Chris Avatar
          ChrisBatman News Archive

          lol no. They make up 99% of the audience for these movies. We are TINY compared to them.

      2. thefallen83 Avatar
        thefallen83

        The more Batman, the better.

        1. Chris Avatar
          ChrisBatman News Archive

          Now that's an idea I can get behind!

          1. Robin Roy Avatar
            Robin Royreplying to Chris

            Can't we make clones of Affleck or something 😂. I wish to see a whole lots of these guys, present, past and future.

          2. Alan Conn Avatar
            Alan Connreplying to Robin Roy

            Why arent we funding this?!?!?! XD

          3. Mike 201 Avatar
            Mike 201replying to Chris

            I agree. Not to date this but look at the TV show. It was SO BIG, they aired it 2 times a week for 2 seasons. By season 3, ratings tanked, they added Batgirl and aired 1 day a week. Cancelled.

    2. Canucks Fan Avatar
      Canucks Fan

      I honestly wish these comic book films weren't being forced to be for the general audience instead of the intended audience like comic book fans same can be said about the CW shows they're forced to appeal to the general audience holding the true potential back.

      1. Davonedoyle Avatar
        Davonedoyle

        But they wouldn't make alot of money. Anime in japan for example budget wise is very restricted because they don't expand their audience. I wish anime would expand to the general public.

        1. Jay Douglas Avatar
          Jay Douglas

          The general public does not share your wish.

          1. Davonedoyle Avatar
            Davonedoylereplying to Jay Douglas

            What do you mean?

        2. Robin Bankes Avatar
          Robin Bankes

          Thanks for saying this so that I don't have to say it

          1. Davonedoyle Avatar
            Davonedoylereplying to Robin Bankes

            Yep no problemo

        3. Alan Conn Avatar
          Alan Conn

          Really? I think Death Note fans would beg to differ.

      2. Robin Bankes Avatar
        Robin Bankes

        Zach Snyder was appealing to the intended comic book audience

        1. Canucks Fan Avatar
          Canucks Fan

          For sure but I doubt going forward any movie will do that again still okay as long as their good as Wonder Woman

      3. Hunter Zolomon Avatar
        Hunter Zolomon

        You realize us comic book fans only make up like 5% if that of the viewers of the films right? If they went after comic book fans and comic book fans only then the films would flop and we wouldn't get many films at all and the likes of WB and Disney would lose a ton of money. Also expect really low budgets what means no big epic films like Wonder Woman or JL and expect no risks like Aquaman and if it happens Flashpoint. Jesus you clearly have no idea how this all works do you?

        1. Robin Bankes Avatar
          Robin Bankes

          Bingo

      4. Queef Police Avatar
        Queef Police

        its about money bro

    3. RED BEETLE Avatar
      RED BEETLE

      Excuse me Sir, but where the fuck are my wikiteta's?
      PS: Good to see you survived the hurracaine

      1. thefallen83 Avatar
        thefallen83

        LOL!! I'm at work now but....

        Soon...

      2. thefallen83 Avatar
        thefallen83

        Oh and yes... That shit was scary, but surprisingly it turned NW last minute.

        Florida.... not sure what's going to happen.

    4. Robin Bankes Avatar
      Robin Bankes

      Let's look at data...there's been 3 Spider-man(s) and 6.5 Spider-Man movies......ESPECIALLY average movie-goers will be ok with a change in Batman whose had a complete TDK + limited DCEU exposure

    5. Cash Avatar
      Cash

      I'd like to see Affleck back, but I don't think audiences would be confused or care much. They're used to new James Bonds, and Supermans, and Spider-Mans, and Batmans every few years, even when the new actors technically fit in the same continuity as the old ones. In fact, I think it's mostly the hardcore fans who get out of sorts about continuity issues. The generally public just enjoys the spectacle.

      1. thefallen83 Avatar
        thefallen83

        True. Let's hope for the best!

    6. Morgoth Bauglir Avatar
      Morgoth Bauglir

      The Hobbit also used a new younger actor for the role of Bilbo and it did not confuse anybody. Partly because the older Bilbo (Ian Holm) was at the beginning of the movie, narrating it and then the story itself became a giant flashback with Martin Freeman as young Bilbo.

  3. LOGOS Avatar
    LOGOS

    There's going to be different Batmen out there and different Jokers. That's going to confuse the general movie going audience. I've had several people ask me about Spider-Man and why Toby Maguire isn't playing him. Us fanboys get it and won't be confused. I don't think I can say the same for everyone else.

  4. Jack Gonzalez Avatar
    Jack Gonzalez

    As someone who works in the entertainment business...We dont focus on the real fans of these characters (us). its all about the dollar bills. so in this case casting a younger actor as Batman to be like a "flashback" character would really confuse the general consumer and lead to lot of crap that we (DCEU) needs. just churn out movie with the great actors we have now and let film makers make what they want.

  5. Nick Farina Avatar
    Nick Farina

    I think it's sad that the holdup/trouble is Affleck not wanting to do multiple films after The Batman. That they'd pass on making 1 standalone, epic, Batman film solely because it may not give birth to sequels sucks. I understand Affleck's perspective completely and wish both Reeves and the studio were more willing to produce 1 great Batman film with Affleck, and then worry about re-inventing the wheel after.

  6. Chris Avatar
    ChrisBatman News Archive

    Just using him as an example, but Armie Hammer looks younger than Ben Affleck. And the real reason for the recast would be because you need an actor who is willing to commit to a trilogy.

    1. Davonedoyle Avatar
      Davonedoyle

      No the question is how is that realistic? They wouldn't look that different unless their in the 20s

      1. Chris Avatar
        ChrisBatman News Archive

        Ok, then they get a guy in his 20s who could pass for his early 30s. I'm just saying, we don't need to go the Batman Begins route again with a fresh Batman. We'll probably get one who has been on the job for at least a few years already.

        1. Davonedoyle Avatar
          Davonedoyle

          No I don't want Batman begins again. I was just asking a question. On a side note I really want Ben Affleck to stay or recast for consistency. I don't want every DC movie to be like wonder woman.

        2. Jack Jensen Avatar
          Jack Jensen

          The only reason I don't think a younger Batman will be cast for these movies is because they probably won't do prequels for the trilogy with Matt Reeves. Reeves himself said it will be within this current DC universe that is already in place and I just don't see them saying "hey this is a younger Affleck Batman, but in a few more months when JL 2 or something comes out just try to put the trilogy movies to the side and remember he is still 40+ in that movie.".

          Now, I will say I won't doubt we will see Flashbacks. Especially seeing Jason Todd killed, etc., but I just don't see them doing a young Batman trilogy as they kind of also already did that with The Dark Knight trilogy starting with Batman Begins. They will want to do a trilogy with an older Batman and I still think Affleck and WB will get their shit together if there is even problems now.

          My opinion is Affleck probably doesn't like getting bombarded with Batman questions while doing his directing gigs (who can blame him) and that's a reason he wants out. WB might want him out because they are worried he won't bring in the HUGE money the TDK trilogy brought in for them. They see the bomb Live By Night that lost them money and see his personal issues of alcoholism, divorce, etc. and maybe the producers and financiers are worried he is not a sure bet.

          By the way... I am a HUGE Affleck supporter for anyone that thinks I am not. I think there is something there to the story that he might leave (or be sort of forced out like Snyder was - if you don't want to believe he was forced out that's on you... why would they get also a new composer, let a guy like Joss Whedon come in if it was "just to finish Zack's movie... they obviously had a problem with it somewhere). However, I also think they are waiting for Justice League to come out to see what the reception is for the film in general, which characters get praise, etc. and if it makes more than a billion dollars at the box office worldwide I think we will see Affleck and others sign new contracts (which I think it will make almost 1.3 billion because I think it's coming out at a perfect time and Wonder Woman's success will help this film A LOT!).

          Keep my comment handy for when this all happens! 😀

    2. Kerk Lastnameless Avatar
      Kerk Lastnameless

      Of course, another possibility is to sidestep everything that involved Batfleck -- erase BvS from the memory of everyone, and pretend that MoS, WW, Aquaman, and even Suicide Squad are all a part of the connected universe, but start over with Batman running into Superman. And this time, put the fukin Gotham where it belongs -- in Jersey, not right next door to Metropolis.

      1. BugsMeany Avatar
        BugsMeany

        You're not far off. This is from New York magazine...

        https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

        1. Knight-Errant Avatar
          Knight-Errant

          Wait, are you saying Gotham & Metropolis are New England cities or their basis, NYC is?

          1. Knight-Errant Avatar
            Knight-Errantreplying to Knight-Errant

            Initially, I was going to correct the NYC in New England comment, but you did.

            Now I'm trying to place the NJ/DE setting you're referencing. It'd be weird for the cities to be down in those areas. Maybe NJ/PA. Camden, NJ is just over the bridge from Philly & has a very high crime rate.

          2. Knight-Errant Avatar
            Knight-Errantreplying to Knight-Errant

            That's a crappy location for Metropolis. In reality, that area is pretty rural with a lot of small towns.

            Hmm, Gotham in the Atlantic City area?

    3. Seb Avatar
      Seb

      Batman is Bruce Wayne. He's not Dick Grayson. He's Bruce. I never liked the idea to replace Ben's Bruce Wayne with another actor playing Grayson taking the mantle of the Bat. In fact, I hate that idea. None of the most interesting Batman stories would work. Dick's not brooding, he's not dark, he's not a detective, he doesn't have inhuman willpower and dedication, he's not paranoid, etc. He also has no reason to "be" the Batman. That's why I loved Batman Begins so much, because the idea of dressing up as a Bat - as ludicrous as that may sound to normal people - was a direct reflection of Bruce's character and his own fear. He actually has a REASON to dress the way he does. With Dick Grayson, that's simply not possible. So no... I'd actually rather have no movies at all, than a Grayson as Batman trilogy. That's how much I hate this idea.

      1. Robin Bankes Avatar
        Robin Bankes

        Well I like everything you don't like, so....

      2. Knight-Errant Avatar
        Knight-Errant

        Agreed...except Batman isn't paranoid. That's a common misconception about being prepared.

        1. Seb Avatar
          Seb

          Sure he is. Suspecting even his best friends of the most heinous crimes, simply because it might happen, is the definition of paranoia. Yes, it's his way of "being prepared". But he's obsessively so.

          1. Knight-Errant Avatar
            Knight-Errantreplying to Seb

            Its only "paranoia" to people who don't understand the mindset; I'm not sure if "best friends" is accurate either...but that's a sidebar.

            That'd be like saying someone with insurance is paranoid. Or someone who plans evacuation plans. Or someone who installs a security systems.

          2. Seb Avatar
            Sebreplying to Knight-Errant

            I understand him, but it's the way he does it, and who he does it to.

          3. Knight-Errant Avatar
            Knight-Errantreplying to Seb

            He's doing it to powerful individuals who have the capacity to cause destruction on scale with natural disasters, if not on a global scale. The side on which certain if those individuals is moot. Today they could be on the same side, but tomorrow they couldn't be. These individuals are susceptible to compromise like anyone else; mental breakdowns, blackmail, mind control, body swapping, etc. Batman even noted the Starro matter.

            Batman advised Alfred that if the others aren't doing the same, they're foolish.

            Truthfully, do you not believe a country like the US has contingency plans in the event it's allies go rogue?

          4. Seb Avatar
            Sebreplying to Knight-Errant

            Comparing countries with individuals is massive reach. And I don't disagree with Batman's philosophy. Heck, it's why I love the character... But I don't understand how you cannot see that - even though he has a point and a reason to have these back-up plans - all of these contingencies stem from his deep mistrust of all people, including his best friends. And he didn't "just" make those plans for powerhouses like Superman. He made them for everybody, many of whom are far weaker than Batman himself, so the "world is on the line"-argument doesn't apply.

          5. Knight-Errant Avatar
            Knight-Errantreplying to Seb

            Reach? How so? Allies are close & work together. They also look to protect the planet & they have capabilities to level other countries.

            Again, I think you're swinging "best friends" kinda loosely here. I'd say he's closest with Kent, but "best" isn't a word I'd use to describe their friendship. I think one of the stupidest moves in the JLA books was to have Batman reveal his identity to the League members.

            It's easy to understand; he's being objective & logical.

            The "weaker" colleagues are still in THAT specific world. They're still capable of being compromised and presenting some level of threat.

            We're talking about a guy who created strategies to take control of the organized crime in Gotham & created a backdoor program to overtake the police's infrastructure. Staying steps ahead of everyone else means thinking Beyond outside the box.

          6. Seb Avatar
            Sebreplying to Knight-Errant

            Because countries don't have personalities.
            But none of what you're saying actually disproves his paranoid behavior though. You're merely explaining it.

          7. Knight-Errant Avatar
            Knight-Errantreplying to Seb

            Nations have the personalities of its leaders.

          8. Seb Avatar
            Sebreplying to Knight-Errant

            Paranoia is defined by a tendency of an individual toward excessive and / or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others. Can you honestly not say Batman is excessively distrustful towards others? Can you not say he's suspicious of even the best of people? Of course he is. That's who Batman is. He never trusts anyone, even when he has no reason not to. The fact that you hated him revealing his identity to the league proves that.
            With your logic, it would be completely rational to never trust anyone. Always think the worst of people. And always have back-up plans. Sure, this behavior can be justified in several ways when it comes to Batman... but that hardly changes the fact that this behavior is not psychologically healthy in any way. Seriously, life your life that way and go meet a psychologist . Do you really think for one moment he wouldn't say you suffer from paranoia? Do you really believe that mental health doctors would approve of said behavior and call it "completely sane"? Come on...

          9. Knight-Errant Avatar
            Knight-Errantreplying to Seb

            Sure; he's not excessively distrustful of toward others. He's objective about it. "Even the best of people" is taking some liberties. That's assuming those "people" don't share the same traits as any other person. What's "right" proves to be subjective. Plus, the person might be honorable, but that doesn't mean they cannot be compromised.

            And, you can have some level of trust without being completely open to people. I'm assuming you keep your doors locked & don't hand out keys to all your friends. Does that mean you distrust them & paranoid?

            It's hoping for the worst, but planning for the worst. It's being objective & unilateral with preparation. How many colleagues have already gone rogue in DC?

            I don't need a psychologist anymore then Batman does. It does help me sleep at night knowing I'm ahead of the pack instead of behind them. No need to worry about "are they going to get me," when you're confident "no way they could get me."

    4. Fotbollsgurun Avatar
      Fotbollsgurun

      Douglas and Tony were CGI.

  7. DC Fan/Fellow Soldat Avatar
    DC Fan/Fellow Soldat

    They need VFJ

    1. The Batman Avatar
      The Batman

      Holy crap that'll be epic! DC will finally have a chance to fight back against Marvel.

      1. Jon Santino Avatar
        Jon Santino

        Yes dude they got have VFJ and a couple of other people like him.

        1. Kevin Smith
        2. Bruce Timm
        3. George Miller

    2. Jordan Smith Avatar
      Jordan Smith

      What is VFJ please?

      1. GoldenState17 Avatar
        GoldenState17

        An up and coming filmmaker who knows a lot about comics. Imagine if Kevin Feige and Kevin Smith had a black baby.

        1. Jordan Smith Avatar
          Jordan Smith

          Thank you for that amazing description. haha

  8. Orlando Furioso Avatar
    Orlando Furioso

    "If there's even a one percent chance, we have to take him down."

  9. Orlando Furioso Avatar
    Orlando Furioso

    I want an Affleck trilogy.

    1. Jerry Nice Avatar
      Jerry Nice

      Same. I really want to see the layers he can pull back in his own trilogy - one that starts after JL.

      His Batman & the pieces in place are something I want more of! Especially Jeremy Irons as Alfred!

    2. Jon Santino Avatar
      Jon Santino

      I always liked Ben but a part of me still wants Scott Adkins to play Batman.

    3. Kryptonian Knight Avatar
      Kryptonian Knight

      That would be awesome but I have little faith that this will happen. I personally believe they are going to stay quiet about any contract stuff or possibilities until JL comes out and it's aftermath. If JL crushes at the box office and breaks a billion with positive reviews I could see them at that point having Ben come back for the sequel and be done with it as an easy out for everyone. If JL is amazing, could I see WB backing the brinks truck and making some crazy James Bond mega money deal with Ben that he can't refuse? Sure and that would be great but I just don't see it. I don't believe Ben anymore when he says he really wants to do the Batman but if he did a trilogy with Reeves I have zero doubt it would be incredible. Nothing would get me more amped than a solo Batfleck movie period.

    4. Remy Wong Avatar
      Remy Wong

      New here, but agree. Affleck needs to be in The Batman. He deserves at least that much. He's like a "preview" in BvS. We need him to be the main focus.

    5. Hunter Zolomon Avatar
      Hunter Zolomon

      Yeah same, i don't like the way his Batman was written in BvS but i loved him and his performance in the film.

  10. Clown Two-Face Avatar
    Clown Two-Face

    Ben or bust

    1. RED BEETLE Avatar
      RED BEETLE

      How are you Ryen? Any news worth sharing?

      1. Clown Two-Face Avatar
        Clown Two-Face

        I'm fine

        1. RED BEETLE Avatar
          RED BEETLE

          How's reddit?

  11. Mark J. Avatar
    Mark J.

    Just use Affleck for Justice League in order to draw the most money. Don't do a Batman solo film until Flashpoint so everything can be reset since this whole thing is a wash and is nearing beyond repair.

  12. The Batman Avatar
    The Batman

    Scott Adkins could work for the part

    1. RED BEETLE Avatar
      RED BEETLE

      LOL! I thought your kind had already been extinct

      1. The Batman Avatar
        The Batman

        Never, not until the TRUE BATMAN takes up the mantle !!

    2. Kouglof Avatar
      Kouglof

      Scott Adkins looks like Ben Affleck, and he's really athletic but :
      * He's almost as old as Ben Affleck (41 vs 45 years old)
      * He never played in a big role, like Dolph Lundgren

      1. Jeremy97 Avatar
        Jeremy97

        Scott is popular in Asia and Europe.

        1. Kouglof Avatar
          Kouglof

          https://transitionnetwork.o...

    3. Kal El of Krypton Avatar
      Kal El of Krypton

      He is 5'10

      1. Jeremy97 Avatar
        Jeremy97

        Keaton is 5ft 9in :)

  13. hesh3r Avatar
    hesh3r

    for me the most difficult part will be to find a good batman.

    1. Sergio Avatar
      Sergio

      exactly. why find a new batman if they already have the best so far?

  14. dangelp Avatar
    dangelp

    I'm a fan of your opinion of a story taking place 10 years ago when's batman is in his prime..I would love to see he batman beyond storyline but I think it would be hard to get Affleck to wait for that and it makes the most sense if that was after Reeve's trilogy, to avoid confusion on the timeline (but who knows with WB and all these Joker movies in the works).

  15. IamTheOneWhoKnocks Avatar
    IamTheOneWhoKnocks

    This is easy.....WB pays Affleck lost of money to do a trilogy, Affleck accepts because its a load of cash of course, WB is happy because we all love Batfleck and they will see their money returned and then some, Reeves is happy because he did a great trilogy, Affleck is happy because he finally did a great Superhero movie, fans are happy because we got what we wanted..............and then poof!!! Flashpoint Paradox giving us a new Batman for years to come.....Win/Win for everyone.

    1. Mark J. Avatar
      Mark J.

      Except Affleck isn't all about the money. He wants to do other projects too and doesn't want to be Batman 24/7 with other things he's trying to promote. Also why would WB pay him a lot of money when the majority of their DCEU movies haven't given them the return they were looking for?

      1. IamTheOneWhoKnocks Avatar
        IamTheOneWhoKnocks

        I stopped reading after your first sentence......you're very naive.

        1. Chris Avatar
          ChrisBatman News Archive

          I agree with @disqus_ummQul9oYy:disqus. Affleck is already a very rich man. At this point in his career it's about doing what will fulfill him as an artist. He's past the point of taking jobs just for the money.

          1. IamTheOneWhoKnocks Avatar
            IamTheOneWhoKnocksreplying to Chris

            I edited my comment because truthfully I'm not going to argue about other's people's money, especially those who are making millions, as none of us here are. So I will just close with this quote from Superman himself: “But I’m not just doing this for the art. The money’s fantastic and that’s something which I deem — and again, it is frowned upon — very important.”....“People will be calling me a c–k as they’re reading this, but travel’s great as long as you’re going first class. I mean, traveling to New Zealand in economy, it sucks. Especially if you’re over six feet. But first class? I’m not going to ever pretend to be coy about that. I love it.” http://pagesix.com/2016/03/...

          2. Mark J. Avatar
            Mark J.replying to IamTheOneWhoKnocks

            Narrowing all actors in that scope is what I would call naive.

        2. Mark J. Avatar
          Mark J.

          It would make sense but who knows with all the idiots on here.

      2. Knight-Errant Avatar
        Knight-Errant

        Perhaps it's not about the money angle, but about the feedback. How many people asked him about The Batman during his Live by Night press tour? Makes sense on his part. You devote yourself to a project only for more people to be more interested in a completely other project.

    2. Spenddollarz Avatar
      Spenddollarz

      case solved

      1. IamTheOneWhoKnocks Avatar
        IamTheOneWhoKnocks

        Pretty much, its simple....that's how actors negotiate a large salary, "I might not be able to do it due to other projects" "I won't have the time necessary" blah, blah, blah. I don't blame them either, these studios would pay them minimum wage if they could. Right now, its all on WB's hand if they really want Affleck to do it, they will make it happen with the right dollar figures, its up to them.

    3. IamTheOneWhoKnocks Avatar
      IamTheOneWhoKnocks

      We'll see on that....Justice League will determine all of that though. If its good, they will hold on, if not well...yeah that's another story.

    4. Knight-Errant Avatar
      Knight-Errant

      I've actually been wondering if The Batman (& JL2) have been put into this release date vagueness to stall until Flashpoint comes out.

  16. Spenddollarz Avatar
    Spenddollarz

    or better yet Ben Affleck can be a man and just play Batman till he's 50 I don't see Robert Downey whining about playing Tony Stark , I want him to be In The Batman I want the detective version of Batman we all were promised and its not hard to make Ben look young

    1. Jon Santino Avatar
      Jon Santino

      lol

    2. Spenddollarz Avatar
      Spenddollarz

      Thats an exaggeration but he is getting $50 mill

      1. Rust Avatar
        Rust

        This article goes over just how much he's made for each film. It's nuts.

        https://moviepilot.com/post...

    3. Bob Burger Avatar
      Bob Burger

      Affleck has to be in quite a large size. Not so much for RDJ.

    4. BugsMeany Avatar
      BugsMeany

      This. "Iron Man" is often a drone (see: Homecoming). At this point Tony Stark is more like the general of a small army of unmanned suits. It's a far, far less physical role.

    5. Rust Avatar
      Rust

      To be fair, we hear about the possibility of Downey leaving the role after practically every Marvel film he's in, spanning rumors, speculation from co-stars (including Chris Evans), and even himself. Just recently, he said this:

      "I just never want to blow it for the last six or seven [MCU movies] I
      have done by dropping the ball because I decided to go do it one more
      time," he continued "I just want to hang up my jersey before it's
      embarrassing."

      I'm guessing he's out after Infinity War following several movies worth of this vibe that he wants to escape, even publicly criticizing Iron Man 2. They might squeak one more movie out of him after that, or maybe a string of cameos, but Iron Man 4 seems like a dead dream.

  17. Spenddollarz Avatar
    Spenddollarz

    I'm a play Devils advocate , after Batman returns we got 2 different Batmans that continued the story and nobody made a big deal back then

    1. Kouglof Avatar
      Kouglof

      The "2 different Batmans" we got after Batman Returns (Val Kilmer and George Clooney) are the worst Batman movies I have ever seen.

      1. Spenddollarz Avatar
        Spenddollarz

        I was a kid when it came out so it didn't register or bother and I'm not talking about the qualities of the movie I'm talking about 2 different actors played Batman but was in the same continuity as Batman and Returns learn to read bro

        1. Kouglof Avatar
          Kouglof

          Batman has always been my favorite superhero, and I was a kid too when Batman Forever appeared (6 years old, then 8 when the other abomination appeared). As a kid, the special effects didn't bothered me, this one came later, but the I never liked those two Batman movies, I always felt something was wrong with those movies, I was always wondering why Batman (Micheal Keaton) has been changed, and why those movies weren't as good as the others I previously saw.

          1. Knight-Errant Avatar
            Knight-Errantreplying to Kouglof

            You guys make me feel old. I was far from "a kid" when they came out.

  18. RED BEETLE Avatar
    RED BEETLE

    I'm gonna side with Chris on this one. I do think there's a chance (I'd say 50%) Ben won't be doing Matt Reeves tryllogy. I'm saying this because if they were sure he's gonna be part of it there would be no reason for not releasing an official statement about it. I think they might be having some contract issues and maybe they are also willing to wait and see how JL does.

    Having said that, If Affleck ends up taking distance from Reeves movies, I believe there're three paths WB could take:

    1 - Save Ben for JL2 and get a younger actor for Reeve's Batman Tryllogy set in the past.
    2 - Kill Batman in the end of JL, setting up Grayson to take the mantle.
    3 - Make Ben appear at the begining of Flashpoint and reset his role after it. THEN, make Reeve's movies with other actor.

    And again, I tend to think like Chris on this one too, option 1 might be the "happier" for all of the involved parts.

    1. Kouglof Avatar
      Kouglof

      Point n°1 : Why not
      Point n°2 : Unless you are a hardcore fan of the comics (less than 1% of people), nobody gives a shit about Grayson.

      Point n°3 : Non-sense

      1. Knight-Errant Avatar
        Knight-Errant

        I'm a comic book fan & even I don't give a shit about Grayson as Batman. There's only 1 Batman. The others are just playing pretend, even if the mantle was passed onto them.

    2. BugsMeany Avatar
      BugsMeany

      Say The Batman comes out in 2019 (hiiiighly optimistic scenario) with a younger actor. The pace is like the Apes trilogy, and the next two are released in 2022 and 2025. Affleck is 53 at that point. It's unlikely he'll have spent those eight years eating clean, getting eight hours of sleep every night and doing tai-chi at dawn.

      Option 1 is my favorite scenario, ftr. It just seems implausible at best. 🤷🏻‍♂️

  19. Captain DC Avatar
    Captain DC

    So a Justice League Batman, and a prequel Gotham City Batman, with another actor? Nope, HARD PASS! You DEFINITELY can't go back-and-forth. LOL Affleck simply isn't that old, to make it believable, and non-cheesy. It would also be a disservice to the younger actor, like what happened with Brandon Routh, and his Christopher Reeve Superman portrayal.

    I think Affleck finishes his contract, and if Matt Reeves delivers like Patty Jenkins did with Wonder Woman, he'll sign up for more. Why wouldn't he, if Matt Reeves is able to provide him with good material, and work around his schedule. https://uploads.disquscdn.c...

  20. Tyrannicus Avatar
    Tyrannicus

    This is definitely the way to go. Save Affleck for JL2 and possibly some cameos, like at the end of Flashpoint (receiving the letter from his father in Flashpoint). But this would allow for some great new stories, still in the DCEU, but not burdened by them.

  21. BringerOfRain Avatar
    BringerOfRain

    Do a prequel trilogy set before MOS with a younger actor. Then try and get Affleck for two more JL sequel movies.

    1. BugsMeany Avatar
      BugsMeany

      Trilogy before JL sequels? Affleck could very well be in his late 50s by then.

  22. Whatsupdoc Avatar
    Whatsupdoc

    Why are people so naive as to think this isn't about money? Yes Affleck has a lot of money, but he's also going through a very public divorce (for which he has no prenup). Affleck made a lot more money than Garner did, but in a no fault state like CA, Affleck is going to lose at least half of everything he's made.

    I don't care how rich a person is, half your shit is still half your shit.

    1. Whatsupdoc Avatar
      Whatsupdoc

      Riiight... and WB hasn't come to terms with Jenkins yet because she's, just not the right fit (sarcasm).

      1. Whatsupdoc Avatar
        Whatsupdoc

        Show me a single article, quote, ANYTHING where Jenkins (herself) mentions money. Its a narrative created by reporters with 'sources' whom all have their own agendas. Affleck wants RDJ money however WB believes that Batman is the star (rightfully so).

        PS: Affleck does not want to be seen negotiating a massive pay raise while in the middle of an expensive and public divorce. Lawyers are viscous.

    2. Cocaine Cowboy Avatar
      Cocaine Cowboy

      Money/contract negotiations has been my theory since no one has been able to get to the bottom of this or offer any details in eight months.

      Ben's people leak that he's leaving to get the fans riled up and turn the heat up on WB.

      WB leaks that they are considering ways to phase him out of the franchise, showing Ben he's expendable.

      Ben gets up on stage at Comic Con and says "I'll do it for as long as they'll have me", now the ball is back in WB's court.

    3. Whatsupdoc Avatar
      Whatsupdoc

      Actually half of that money (including what he made for JL) is going straight to his soon to be ex-wife. As I already explained.

      1. Whatsupdoc Avatar
        Whatsupdoc

        Affleck is said to have a net worth of more than 105 million not including earnings from 2017. Jen Garner has not made a big paycheck in years. In fact half of her earnings came from before they were married. Which means she keeps it all. While Affleck earned about 43 mil in 2016
        which makes that community property.

        In divorce proceedings its not about how much you've made but rather when you made it.

  23. internetmaster1 . Avatar
    internetmaster1 .

    What you just said made no sense at all.

  24. Anand Avatar
    Anand

    Have him sign on for one more movie, the nightwing movie. Have affleck have a central role in that film. then in 'The batman' do under the red hood and have him give dick grayson the mantle at the end. then dick grayson is batman going forward with affleck popping up every now and then like nick fury in the mcu. That would be perfect and would make sense for another actor.

  25. Daniel Avatar
    Daniel

    I know this site is called Batman News, so there's an expected bat bias here, but do we really need another bat trilogy at this point? The thing I found so interesting about the character in BvS is how they dynamic of the character changed by putting him in an ensemble story. It was just more interesting to me.

    1. Austin Rasberry Avatar
      Austin Rasberry

      Uh.. yes... yes we do

  26. Sense Avatar
    Sense

    Come on WB offer Ben 100 million for the trilogy

  27. Marszattks Avatar
    Marszattks

    Love this idea as long as they wouldn't botch the casting of the younger Batman role. Josh Hartnett comes to mind seeing as though he realized he made a mistake by turning down Nolan in the first trilogy. Great actor too that could pull off a younger Affleck.

    1. Kouglof Avatar
      Kouglof

      Too old

      1. Marszattks Avatar
        Marszattks

        Not a bad thought though, no?

  28. Carl Mastromarino Avatar
    Carl Mastromarino

    Great idea, setting this about 10 years before Man of Steel, we'll get to see the Red Hood storyline! And with Matt Reeves at the helm, this is really exciting.

  29. Alexander Avatar
    Alexander

    Just give Bill Skarsgard the role as the joker!

    1. Marszattks Avatar
      Marszattks

      He blows and so did the new IT movie. That film was way overhyped by rotten tomatoes. Sad that critics are paid my studios to promote.

      1. Marszattks Avatar
        Marszattks

        by*

      2. Alexander Avatar
        Alexander

        :/

      3. Austin Rasberry Avatar
        Austin Rasberry

        *Hipster alert*

    2. Austin Rasberry Avatar
      Austin Rasberry

      He has a better laugh than Jared that's for sure.

  30. Shmylan Shmendian Avatar
    Shmylan Shmendian

    Why does everyone talk about either a Batman Forever-esque recasting or doing a movie in the past? If Affleck has one movie left, he can do one final film in the present day, redeem himself fully from BvS habitual line stepping through death by sacrifice, and pass off the mantle to a dick Grayson, or a Tim drake, or Terry mcguiness in the first Batman movie, so the last 2 can have the NEW Batman? It is the most logical answer as well as the most comic book answer (aside from time traveling bat-tribes).

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