The Batman, The Flash

'Flashpoint' was going to be Ben Affleck's final Batman appearance. Now what?

By

·

May 12, 2018

This week we had another source strongly hint that Flashpoint is dead. Game Night directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, who officially joined the movie in March, will likely turn it back into a solo Flash movie. While many fans are happy to hear that, there is one major downside for Batfleck fans... Ben Affleck was expected to make his final Batman appearance in Flashpoint.

We know that Affleck has one movie left on his contract. He's said that he's looking for a "graceful and cool" way to exit the role, so what does this Flashpoint news mean for his future as the Dark Knight? I think there are a few options.

Suicide Squad 2

Ben Affleck made a Batman appearance in the first Suicide Squad movie, so why not have him appear in the sequel as well? Many of the Suicide Squad characters exist in Batman's world, so I think it'd be a good fit. There's also the fact that it's being directed by Gavin O'Connor, Affleck's director for The Accountant. Given that the two have worked together before, I think O'Connor could get Affleck to play Batman one more time.

Harley Quinn's Birds of Prey

Suicide Squad 2 got pushed back in favor of Margot Robbie's "girl gang movie" which we're calling Birds of Prey until we get an official title. In addition to Harley Quinn, it's rumored to feature characters like Batgirl, Catwoman, and Poison Ivy. It's another movie where a Batman appearance would make a lot of sense.

Justice League

And of course, there is the unfortunate possibility that Justice League was the last time we'll ever see Ben Affleck as Batman. Just because he has one movie left on his contract doesn't mean it needs to be fulfilled. Warner Bros. and Affleck could mutually agree that it's time to move on. It seems like they already have to a certain extent, with The Batman director Matt Reeves reportedly looking to cast "fresh talent" in the lead role.

Those are the immediate options that jump out at me, but I want to know what you all think. Assuming Flashpoint is really dead, where do you think Ben Affleck's final Batman appearance will be? Do you think we'll even see him as the Dark Knight again? Let me know in the comments below.

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269 comments

Tobescolombo
May 12, 2018
"sigh"
Jesse Hernandez
May 12, 2018
Is this the bad news that someone was predicting ? flashpoint is no more ?... anyways, I strongly feel that WB and Ben will mutually come into terms and just move on. I can’t see another movie coming into play besides birds of prey where Batman can show up for the right reason
Bruce Wayne
May 12, 2018
YAY....Affleck can't ruin another superhero. Just release Affleck from his contract and move on to either Jake or (even better) Armie Hammer, before Avengers:Infinity War breaks 2 bil.
NO ONE will watch a Ben Affleck movie. Release him from the contract and move on.
1. TØM
  May 12, 2018
  Speak for yourself.
  1. Eric
    May 12, 2018
    I agree with Bruce Wayne. Good riddance to "Fat man"
    1. Robert Whiteside
      May 13, 2018
      Ben Affleck is not fat! And when has it become acceptable to body shame men? He might have a nasty trampback dragon stamp now though but he is not fat.
  2. Cisco007
    May 14, 2018
    Too much negativity with him attached to the role and bad PR. Need to move on unfortunately
2. Eric
  May 12, 2018
  Agreed. No more "Fat man"
3. NinjaGamer13
  May 12, 2018
  Lol, this whole comment is hilarious
4. Frank
  May 13, 2018
  I love his Batman! The problem is not Ben or Henry, you know.
  1. Shantanu Singh
    May 13, 2018
    Part of the problem was Ben, he was sleepwalking throughout
    1. Robert Whiteside
      May 13, 2018
      I don't have a turtle, but I do have a cactus.
    2. Frank
      May 16, 2018
      Warner and Wheedon were the biggest problems.
      1. Bill Agans
        May 27, 2018
        Whedon*
      2. Frank
        May 27, 2018
        Yeah, now it's right.
5. cle
  May 13, 2018
  u know what they say ... marvel is for fangirls, dc for funboys... but real women and men love both ...
  p.s Ben Afflect only made superhero movies better ...
  1. Liderc
    May 13, 2018
    I'm a DC fan, but they can't make a good movie to save their lives.
    At least the marvel films are exciting to watch, at least most of them.
    I've been disappointed nearly every time except for Wonder Woman's solo film.
    I don't even think Ben is bad in the role, they just can't seem to make a good movie.
    1. Alan Conn
      May 14, 2018
      Theyve made fucking plenty.
      1. Liderc
        May 17, 2018
        They made one, Wonder Woman.
    2. Jack Napier
      May 29, 2018
      Ever heard of the Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" trilogy? I'd like to think that $2,463,216,216 that the movies made kinda represented that they were at least decent movies. (Need proof? -https://www.quora.com/How-m...
      1. Liderc
        June 9, 2018
        I assumed everyone knew I was talking about DC since TDK trilogy. Apparently you're too biased to admit all their movies but wonder woman have been total failures.
  2. Bill Agans
    May 27, 2018
    Affleck*
6. Bartholomew Hunt
  May 13, 2018
  He was the fattest Batman ever. Oh, and also the worst (Snyder's fault).
  1. Bill Agans
    May 27, 2018
    He was NOT fat. It was muscle. Plus, he was the closest to the comics. Nothing was Snyder’s fault except for allowing WB to ruin his vision.
7. Bill Agans
  May 27, 2018
  He didn’t ruin Batman. He’s the biggest & best one yet.
attentionisattention
May 12, 2018
I'm still hoping he's waiting to review the Reeves script before he drops officially...I think he's hesitant to sign onto a solo before being sure of the quality. But who freakin knows
1. Ezee23
  May 12, 2018
  I'm starting to wonder/hope, maybe Matt Reeves' script, or a third of it, is a 'The End of Bruce Wayne' kind of story.
  1. Marko Mitrović
    May 12, 2018
    Or "Death of the Family" kind of story
2. Queef Police
  May 13, 2018
  nah man. the video of his bro saying Ben was done with batman was all we needed to know. take off the rose colored glasses.
  1. nipple_pinchy
    May 14, 2018
    I agree with you... Queef Police.
3. Frank
  May 13, 2018
  I can see it too. He's done with Warner's cut, not the character.
BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
May 12, 2018
Get rid of him and move on. Enough with his bs.
1. Ezee23
  May 12, 2018
  That's not how contractual obligations work though.
  1. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
    May 12, 2018
    Sure they can if the person is clearly not looking to complete the work. You part ways.
    1. Ezee23
      May 12, 2018
      Then it's a good thing he hasn't said as much, either way.
      1. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
        May 12, 2018
        Sure he has. Plenty of quotes for you to read he wants out. Even chris put one in this article.
      2. Ezee23
        May 12, 2018
        The "graceful and cool way" quote? That can be easily interpreted in at least two ways.
      3. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
        May 12, 2018
        Nope. Only one. He wants out after the reception to doj. His tuned has changed about being apart of these films.
      4. BatmanNewsChris
        May 12, 2018
        This interview during Justice League was the most telling to me. He was asked if he thinks he’ll play Batman 2 more times and he says very unenthusiastically “I don’t know about that. We’ll see what the future holds”. https://batman-news.com/201...
      5. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
        May 12, 2018
        Just let him go. Find an actor who will appreciate how encompassing and prestigious this is.
      6. Eric
        May 12, 2018
        And will look better as Batman. I think Jon Hamm would make a great Batman. Jon Hamm has the look of Bruce and Batman.
      7. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
        May 12, 2018
        If Reeves sticks with an older Wayne/Batman, he would be a great choice.
      8. adqm1409
        May 12, 2018
        Jon Hamm would be awesome but he is even older than Affleck, Eric Bana would have been a nice choice it he wasn't even older that both Affleck and Hamm, i think that Luke Evans could be a good choice and would commit to the role or Armmie Hammer but he just look to young and has no resemblace to Affleck.
      9. Robert Whiteside
        May 13, 2018
        It is just so interesting that the only "human" without relying on any superpowers is Batman and suggests that any one of us has the ability to stand with the best.
        Have a woman take over the traditional "male" Batman role for a while.
      10. Liderc
        May 13, 2018
        It's not even Ben's fault, they just can't figure out how to make a good movie.
        Wonder Woman is the only movie even close to being well done.
        Man of Steel was decent, but that was over 5 years ago now.
        Whoever is in charge needs to be fired, and start hiring better directors and writers.
        The actors aren't even close to being the main problem.
        The Justice League cast was more than capable of making a good movie, they were just given a terrible script and a movie so chopped up by two different directors that it doesn't even qualify as a movie.
      11. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
        May 13, 2018
        Have you heard of this?
        https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
      12. BatmanNewsChris
        May 13, 2018
        Yeah
      13. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
        May 13, 2018
        Suprised you did not post it.
      14. BatmanNewsChris
        May 13, 2018
        https://68.media.tumblr.com...
      15. Ezee23
        May 13, 2018
        Arguable.
2. TØM
  May 12, 2018
  HIS bs?! Oh boy
  1. BROWN_KNIGHT 4 Trump
    May 12, 2018
    Something wrong.
Ezee23
May 12, 2018
The comic-book readers are going to have to explain to me how much of a role Batman (Bruce Wayne) had in the Flashpoint comics. My only reference is the animated movie in which he barely featured in.
If small cameo roles count as having fulfilled his contractual obligation then I'm glad this wont be his last movie. I still feel this Batman, my favorite of any onscreen version, still deserves another "meaty" story. The Batman we got in BvS deserves to go out with a bang.
1. Tobescolombo
  May 12, 2018
  I was hoping that The batman would be the farewell to bat fleck. But this is just tiring.
2. Nightwing Fan J
  May 12, 2018
  Bruce Wayne was barely in it anyway. He was only in the very end.
3. mattcoz
  May 12, 2018
  Well... *spoilers* ... Bruce is dead in the Flashpoint universe. Batman would have been played by Jeffery Dean Morgan as Thomas Wayne, which I would have loved to have seen. So, it would have worked without Affleck.
  1. Kouglof
    May 12, 2018
    Thomas Wayne Batman is a one shot Batman movie, and then... no more Batman?
    1. mattcoz
      May 13, 2018
      Right, it would have only been for Flashpoint. Not sure what they would do going forward if Ben is no longer involved, but no more Batman seems highly unlikely.
4. Jonja Jackson
  May 13, 2018
  I know, a gun bang!!!
5. Hunter Zolomon
  May 13, 2018
  Comic book wise he appeared right at the end to read a letter from Thomas and that's it, all together about a page or two he appears in.
6. Bartholomew Hunt
  May 13, 2018
  I see. So you like your Batman fat and just going through the motions. Yes, clearly the best ever.
  1. Liderc
    May 13, 2018
    How was Affleck fat? Did you see his body in the work out scene? Dude was ripped. He's an older batman, he's supposed to have a larger frame.
  2. Ezee23
    May 15, 2018
    Nice bait. No, not today, troll.
Myron Kapetanakis
May 12, 2018
If they want to change just they actor and forget that the Batman has killed people before then it is useless recasting. They should bring a new Batman to the DCEU through a crisis in infinite earths scenario.
1. Ezee23
  May 12, 2018
  Or what if they dont want to change anything and actually like his characterization in this universe? You know, the one that most people like.
  1. Myron Kapetanakis
    May 12, 2018
    In Snyder's original plan Batman was supposed to die in JL part2, if what we hear is correct, something that makes absolutely sense with his Batman characterization in BvS. What I am saying is since that plan is no longer followed then a crisis in infinite earths scenario would be the a good idea in my opinion.
    1. SJ1986
      May 13, 2018
      Where did you get that from? Someone just made that up!
  2. Jonja Jackson
    May 13, 2018
    Actually, most people didn't like it, hence the bow out. Tons of Bat fans did, but not general audiences, which is far larger.
    1. NinjaGamer13
      May 13, 2018
      Not sure where you're getting those statistics, but the amount of praise he got after BvS I think suggests otherwise
      1. mattcoz
        May 13, 2018
        Yeah, it was mostly "the movie was terrible, but Ben killed it as Batman"
      2. Liderc
        May 13, 2018
        Agreed. Ben did a fine job, the movies have just sucked.
2. NinjaGamer13
  May 12, 2018
  Where was the infinite earths scenario for TDK Trilogy Batman, since he killed too?
  1. Myron Kapetanakis
    May 12, 2018
    The TDK Trilogy was was a solo Batman universe and was completed with the "death" of Batman.
    1. NinjaGamer13
      May 13, 2018
      I’m just pointing out the inconsistency in some of the Batman fandom of criticism for his killing in some movies but not others.
      1. Jonja Jackson
        May 13, 2018
        Batman has always killed in movies and comics, but in BvS he did it callously.
      2. NinjaGamer13
        May 13, 2018
        Still indirectly/accidentally, though. His increased recklessness in doing so was the whole point of his character arc.
    2. Thomas Downing
      May 13, 2018
      If the dark Knight was a solo batman universe how come in the first one the news that was on in the background on a TV was talking about metropolis and something with Superman i think that they say it's not connected just in case the whole dceu fails and I don't think Zack Snider would have gotten help from Cris Nolan on the first Superman movie and why is batman so old his character almost lines up with the dark Knight batman thats just what I've always kinda thought
Marko Mitrović
May 12, 2018
What if he renew contract?
1. Ezee23
  May 12, 2018
  I'd like that. I doubt it'll happen but I would not be against it.
2. Frank
  May 13, 2018
  Haters will be mad...
marcelb
May 12, 2018
You know... he could simply stay Batman right? Just beause Matt Reeves is rumored to look for a new actor doesn´t mean it´s true. I guess there is only one way to find out for sure: patience.
1. Mike 201
  May 12, 2018
  No casting yet on Reeves Batman......maybe Ben would be a great Batman with a real script and director.
OptimistPrime99
May 12, 2018
"Two years after BvS, how many Batfleck fans are left"? "How many stayed that way"?
If he was gonna do a "farewell" movie, it would have to be in a solo adaptation, where all Batmen are judged. Being able to carry his own story in a well-received movie, is Affleck's Batman challenge...if he chooses to accept it. Either Affleck wants in on the movie that Matt Reeves is currently working on, or the role will be recast. https://uploads.disquscdn.c...
1. Rust
  May 12, 2018
  I've got my fingers crossed for this, personally. He deserves a chance to have an epic send-off, and, hell, if things go as well as they ought to, maybe he'll decide to stick around.
  The naive fan in me is hoping that's why this has been so hush-hush and waffley. We're still in wait and see mode while things get hashed out.
  It would be such an injustice if his final Batman film was JL. Redemption is due.
  1. Seb
    May 12, 2018
    Hell no... Doing a solo movie, just for him to exit out gracefully? I cannot imagine a more selfish and stupid reason for him to do the film. If he does Reeves' solo film, he NEEDS to do the rest (which he won't). Given the fact that Ben wants nothing to do with anything Batman related after his "last outing" supposedly, no one should want Ben to star in the solo film. Because that means they have to recast the role with the second film, which is absolutely moronic. I'm so tired of Ben's laziness and lack of commitment. He should just leave. And fans should stop hoping for his return, because he will do nothing but disappoint you.
    1. UltimateEdition
      May 13, 2018
      there is a possibility that he wants to do more but has been indifferent because of bvs reception and the justice league ordeal... if he does a Batman solo it’s possible it could reinvigorate his passion for it and do more. really patience in the game and there is no point in saying this or that until we hear something official .
      1. Seb
        May 13, 2018
        But I don't see how it's worth the risk. Suppose he gives it a shot, and decides it's enough after one solo film. What then? He should decide now and not have a "wait and see" approach. That's exactly the type of attitude that got the DCEU into this mess.
        I still fail to understand how playing Batman is such a burden. Sure, the reception wasn't ideal, but with Reeves, it's gonna be a guaranteed hit. The fact that he's even doubtful at all, is enough for me to want him to go away. I'm just so tired of this game he's playing. Nothing is stopping him from "debunking" the rumors, but he doesn't do so. Speaks volumes. Ben wants out, there's no question. I say, let him. Let someone else, someone who cares and is dedicated take over.
      2. UltimateEdition
        May 13, 2018
        I agree. the entire situation is stupid. he should just debunk or confirm. but you said it yourself that a reeves Batman film is a guaranteed success. and I’m saying that since it is and Ben decides to do the film that I believe there is no way he would want out. I don’t see him wanting out after the first reeves flick.
    2. Liderc
      May 13, 2018
      It's probably difficult to be excited about movies when they end up so terrible that even die hard fans can't stomach them.
      I think Ben did a fine job, wasn't Christian bale, but he was not the problem in BvS or JL.
      Hire some proper writers and directors and the actors will do their part.
      For example, look at Thor 2 compared to Thor 3. Was given a good writer and director and ended up making one of the best movies marvel has made to date.
      The same can be done with DC characters.
Blockhead Jr.
May 12, 2018
He said she said what had happened was.
1. BatmanNewsChris
  May 12, 2018
  https://i.imgur.com/u7Qq7jz...
Martinezxyz
May 12, 2018
Or Ben quits his bitching and signs a new contract.
1. BatmanNewsChris
  May 12, 2018
  It's crazy how that didn't even cross my mind while I was writing this. But yeah, even if there's only a 1% chance it's definitely possible!
  1. BatmanNewsChris
    May 13, 2018
    Ben Affleck is my favorite Batman, but I'm not expecting him to star in The Batman and now I'm not sure if we'll ever see him in the role again :\
2. mattcoz
  May 12, 2018
  Or they actually produce a good script that he wants to do.
  1. Martinezxyz
    May 13, 2018
    Before Reeves, that was Ben’s job and he bit off more than he calould chew.
Royal Ruler
May 12, 2018
I like to think Matt Reeves will do us a favour by replacing Ben Affleck.
If the replacement happen though then it will be a blow to Snyder that DCEU doesn't need his Batman anymore.
1. NinjaGamer13
  May 12, 2018
  Do you have actual psychological issues?
  1. WhiteKnightLegge
    May 12, 2018
    Nathan, not everyone that disagrees with you has mental issues. Indeed, you appear to have mental issues by insulting everyone who disagrees with you.
    1. ItzSilentStorm
      May 12, 2018
      mental health problems aside, I miss the days when even the people who were not fond of BvS were praising affleck or at the very least saying he was "pretty good". Now since all this Justice league crap and how horribly mishandled he was in the film, everyone is back to the pre BvS mentality
      1. Seb
        May 13, 2018
        "I miss the days when even the people who were not fond of BvS were praising affleck or at the very least saying he was "pretty good""
        Yeah, that actually never really happened.
        People just said he was one of the best things about the movie. But that doesn't say much at all. Affleck - beyond the fanboy circles - is not at all liked or beloved as the character. His performance in BvS was slightly above wooden, one dimensional and generic. He was just there to deliver his lines, and he did, but he also didn't do anything noteworthy like Bale did. The writing can be attributed to that, but even then.
        Just compare this add with Bale and the add with Affleck:
        (skip to 2:35)
        https://www.youtube.com/wat...
        &
        https://www.youtube.com/wat...
        I mean, is there any question who is more believable? Who gave the better performance? With Bale, I see Bruce Wayne putting up an act. With Affleck, I see Affleck delivering some cheesy lines.
        And in the actual film, he does nothing but look tired and angry. He did nothing that required some actual acting skills on his part.
        Ask yourself this, do you see Affleck doing a "You're not Batman anymore" a la Bale in TDKR with Michael Caine? Do you see Affleck pulling off such an emotional performance? No. He doesn't possess the versatility.
        So sure. Affleck wasn't bad. He was passable (in BvS). But that doesn't mean people were praising him, nor does it mean the general audience liked him in the role.
      2. NinjaGamer13
        May 13, 2018
        No, his portrayal actual WAS praised fairly widely.
      3. Seb
        May 13, 2018
        Nope. Read the reviews. Most professional critics didn't even like Ben.
      4. NinjaGamer13
        May 13, 2018
        The reviews I read, while negative about the movie as a whole, mostly seemed to agree that the acting wasn’t the big problem, praising such performances as Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot. And that’s not to mention general audience reception, which is hard to measure, but seemed fairly positive.
      5. ItzSilentStorm
        May 13, 2018
        well all have opinions. But no, I realize there is a certain percentage of people around these parts that seem to despise Affleck's portrayal or find it mediocre, but you and those others don't speak for everyone. I never even said the majority of people liked him or anything. Though, personally, I am of the mind that if he was in a much better movie, more people would have viewed him in a better light. But I saw enough people praising him that I felt I could gauge a general consensus. Look bud I don't think Affleck is a better actor than Bale, but I liked his batman more. Thats not to say he maybe didn't have some weaknesses that perhaps Bale did better, but ultimately in terms of acting, I do not find the Batman/BW character to be a particularly difficult character to portray. I thought Affleck did a thoroughly exceptional job at playing the darker angrier Frank Miller batman. Thats my opinion. Some guy just called me out for some reason for not being able to accept other peoples opinions though i have no idea how he reached this conclusion honestly), but some people around here have a habit of doing the same exact thing when it comes to people disagreeing with them about something like Affleck being a great batman or BvS being a good movie or whatever.
        I could say exactly what I did not like about Bale's depiction as BAtman/Wayne, but thats considered heresy apparently(that opinion thing i was talking about), so I will refrain from doing so for now unless you at all care what I have to say. If you want my general opinion on him, I think he was an "okay" batman who had the fortune of being in really strong movies
      6. Seb
        May 13, 2018
        "but you and those others don't speak for everyone"
        I never said I did.
        "I never even said the majority of people liked him or anything"
        Then there's nothing more to discuss. You implicitly acknowledge here that most people are indifferent at best.
        "Look bud I don't think Affleck is a better actor than Bale, but I liked his batman more."
        If your reasons for preferring Affleck are: his suit or his fight scenes, then I really can't be bothered. I'm talking about acting performance. Besides, Affleck didn't design the suit and he didn't perform the action scenes. Bale at least did his own stunts (mostly).
        "I do not find the Batman/BW character to be a particularly difficult character to portray."
        Lol. To explore the depths of Bruce's psyche, requires a certain level of acting skill that Affleck barely possesses. For Bale, it's standard affair. Because he's actually a great actor.
        If you don't think Batman/Bruce Wayne is a hard character to portray, I don't think you take the character seriously at all, in which case again, I really can't be bothered.
        "I thought Affleck did a thoroughly exceptional job at playing the darker angrier Frank Miller batman. Thats my opinion."
        It can't be your opinion because it's factually wrong. Not you liking Affleck... But saying that Affleck is like TDKR Frank Miller Batman. If you've actually read the novel, you'd know they are worlds apart. That doesn't make you wrong for liking Affleck. But I will never understand as to why people supposedly love Batfleck "because he was like TDKR!! Because he was like the comics", when that argument couldn't be further from the truth.
        "could say exactly what I did not like about Bale's depiction as BAtman/Wayne, but thats considered heresy apparently"
        Yes, because opinions have limits. If you say your own shit tastes better than a 5 star Restaurant, top chef dish, then I don't care if that's your opinion, because such an opinion is asinine and retarded of epic proportions. Similarly, Bale is objectively a very skilled actor (and objectively better than Affleck). He's one of the finest of his generation, if not the best (alongside Leo and Joaquin Phoenix). To suggest that Bale gave a bad performance (which I know is not what you're doing) is indeed heresy, because it's simply not true. As for Bale's Batman, in terms of characterization... well, like it or not, but Bale is still the most comic book accurate Batman on screen we have gotten. That also, is fact. Not in terms of looks, but in terms of philosophy, moral code, attitude, etc. And that doesn't mean everyone has to think Bale is the best. But I think it's ironic that people put Affleck above Bale, based on the assertion that "Affleck is more comic book accurate". On a superficial level (looks), yes. But not when you get to the core of the character. So sure, like Affleck all you want... But usually the arguments to support that opinion (looks, fight scenes, faithfulness to the comics) are just wrong.
      7. ItzSilentStorm
        May 13, 2018
        A number of people here always call out how there is more to batman than his looks or whatever and what really matters is his characterization(psychological I guess). What these people dont seem to understand though to me is that there is also more to batman than just the psyche. Ya, I like the costume more. The fighting is way better. The voice modulator sounds cooler than Bales growl(Karl Urban sounded better imo). In costume he looks large and imposing and muscular like a superhero should(and as batman should). The Batfleck was the best depiction of a batman in live action that is actually a scary monster as far as I have seen. His batman was hardcore enough to take on the man of steel and pretty much win, one of the numerous things that made me believe this batman was fit to stand with the gods, aka meaning that this is a true justice league worthy batman in that regard. I fail to see how literally ANY of these traits are irrelevant. They ALL come together to form an ideal whole. A more definitive batman. The difference between you and I here being that,in your mind, BAtfleck was not characterized well at all and that his acting was mediocre where as I copmpletely disagree. I also refuse to believe those things to be an objective fact as I was perfectly pleased with his acting BvS and I find the notion that either of the previous thing mentioned were subpar to be HIGHLY debatable. But somehow I sincerely doubt I would be able to convince you and I dont believe we will see eye to eye on that particular matter, so I am not interested in discussing it further. But one little point in regards to the acting, batman himself his a complex character psychologically but in terms of his actual demeanor, its not "that" difficult to portray, and I thought Affleck was good in that respect. But again, agree to disagree I guess.
        ALso,MM I am not sure how your points about Affleck not choosing the suit or Affleck not doing the fight scenes are entirely relevant. When we say we like Batfleck most, we mean we like his version the most. It doesn't matter if Affleck himself was actually in the suit during some of the fights(and he WAS in it during the superman fight). What matter is that this is the version of batman that we saw in the movie.
        YOu know I have friend, the most passionate comic reader I know(he reads A LOT of comics. Will just have to take my word for it. ), and he thought Batfleck was better than Bale. His exact words were "he seemed more "batmany".
        Is Affleck perfect? Probably not. But I didn't think Bale was either. And since I personally did NOT have an issue with Affleck's acting or characterization, that combined with the strengths of his portrayal that I mentioned previously would lead to prefer him over Bale. I promise you its not "that" uncommon to find people in real life who share some of these opinions. A number of my friends do and we talk about it from time to time.
      8. ItzSilentStorm
        May 13, 2018
        but...when did I say that..?
      9. ItzSilentStorm
        May 13, 2018
        never said people can't have their opinions. I just said I miss the days when a lot of people were high off of the Batfleck. Obviously since I shared the mentality that he was a good batman with a number of other people, this time was preferable to now where a lot of those same people who loved affleck in BvS are now off that hype since his portrayal in JL was a far cry from the dark scary hardcore batman we fell in love with in BvS. Its just unfortunate and a shame in my opinion. Im mostly referring to the people who liked him or at least thought he was decent or "the best part of BvS". Not the people who did NOT like him
    2. NinjaGamer13
      May 13, 2018
      I’m merely pointing out the apparent sadism in that user’s comment.
      1. Seb
        May 13, 2018
        "sadism"
        Man... the stuff you have to convince yourself of, is absolutely jawdropping.
        "I didn't like Batfleck and want him gone" - normal people.
        "YOU FUCKING SADIST!!!!" - you.
      2. NinjaGamer13
        May 13, 2018
        If all he said was that he was not a fan of Ben Affleck's performance as the character, I would never have called him a sadist for that. But that's not what he said, plain and simple. He was literally hoping someone who was praised for his initial performance as the character (though you apparently deny that, but take it or leave it, my point is basically untouched) JUST to hurt a director who has already been treated terribly. I find that twisted.
      3. Seb
        May 13, 2018
        "He was literally hoping someone who was praised for his initial performance as the character JUST to hurt a director who has already been treated terribly."
        No he didn't, you pathetic child. He simply said, if they decide to get rid of Ben, it must be a blow to Snyder. He didn't say he wants it to be a blow to Snyder. Just that it will be. He's making a prediction, not stating a wish. Fuck off with your venomous vitriol and deliberate smearing of other people just so you can feel morally superior. You are toxic and your comments are a cancer on this site.
        And lastly, Snyder hasn't been treated terribly. He's been treated accordingly. If you suck at your job and fail to deliver after multiple chances and hundreds of millions of dollars, then you deserve to get fired with zero pity. I know that you are still a young little boy, oblivious to how the real world works, but that's reality for you. I don't like what WB did, covering it up by pretending it was all about his daughter's suicide, that was tragic indeed. But that was just a PR spin that didn't have anything to do with JL or why he was fired. BTS, Snyder wasn't treated terribly. Plain and simple.
  2. Royal Ruler
    May 12, 2018
    Thankfully I didn't get the Snyder syndrome unlike you
    1. NinjaGamer13
      May 13, 2018
      I’m just saying, you sound pretty darn sadistic there. I mean, hoping someone who was praised for his initial performance so much as the character JUST to hurt a director who has already been treated terribly... That’s pretty twisted, let’s be honest...
      1. Royal Ruler
        May 13, 2018
        Let's be honest, The Director who's been treated terribly is responsible for a terrible direction that turn DC and it's cinematic universe into terrible joke
      2. NinjaGamer13
        May 13, 2018
        I wholeheartedly disagree, but regardless of whether that is true or not, his treatment (from the studio and his haters and also just considering his life circumstances right now, with a daughter who committed suicide and all) was - as a fellow human being - something that was unacceptable. Wishing a negative thing to happen (which most would argue Ben leaving is negative, at least pre-JL) just to hurt a person, especially considering how much it must already hurt him artistically to see his universe stained by JOSStice League, is just despicable in my book.
      3. Royal Ruler
        May 13, 2018
        It's not his universe anymore
      4. NinjaGamer13
        May 13, 2018
        That's not relevant. I'm sure he consider JL and probably the DCEU as a whole to some extent "his baby," so to speak.
      5. Royal Ruler
        May 13, 2018
        It's relevant cause it's the reason why Matt Reeves wanted a new batman cause if he made a successful batman movie then probably Snyder will post a picture on Vero and will say that success happen because of his Batman.
      6. Seb
        May 13, 2018
        Stop with your moral lectures. You've long lost the moral highground by pathologically lying to people.
        Wanting Snyder gone and "his" Batman to be rebooted is not sadistic. Get the fuck out of here with these asinine, over the top, and deliberate accusations to make people feel bad about themselves.
        You can still wish Snyder the best as a fellow human being, but not support him in his professional career. If you think you can't do that, you're insane and you should take a real good look in the mirror and question what sort of pretentious asshole lectures people for having a decent and normal opinion about a fictional character whose creator (Snyder) has a tainted filmography, all by his own doing.
      7. NinjaGamer13
        May 13, 2018
        If I'm accused of being a pathological liar by a pathological liar, what does that make me?
        Go read his comment.
        I absolutely believe that. What would help solve your strange fixated hatred of me would be if you would stop putting words in my and others' mouths. Once again I ask you to go read his comment. His goal is to hurt a person. That's the benefit of losing Affleck to him. That's sadistic. Goodbye.
      8. Seb
        May 13, 2018
        "If I'm accused of being a pathological liar by a pathological liar, what does that make me?"
        Fuck off, dude... You have not ONCE been able to give me an example of a lie that I fabricated. Not fucking once. Whereas I have repeatedly, and thoroughly, and with actual evidence, proved several times that you have deliberately lied and made stuff up to suit your narrative.
        If you claim I'm a liar, I expect some fucking evidence. I won't take your word for it, because why would I? I have already proven that you constantly make shit up anyway.
        So come back when you have some damn proof before dismissing valid criticisms of your pathetic character. Please... You're not fooling me, son.
        "What would help solve your strange fixated hatred of me would be if you would stop putting words in my and others' mouths."
        I have never done that, but keep reaching. Also, don't pretend that you are completely undeserving of "hatred". Btw, don't flatter yourself. I don't hate you. I don't even know you. But judging from your comments, your internet persona is highly annoying. You lie, smear and speak down to people and act all surprised when you get what you deserve. Stop being so delusional.
        "Once again I ask you to go read his comment. His goal is to hurt a person."
        No it's not. He just wants Ben gone. And he says it would be a blow to Snyder if WB decides to get rid of Ben. Nowhere in his comment does he explicitly, or even implicitly say that he'd enjoy hurting Snyder. Or that he thinks it's a good thing. Or that they should get rid of Ben for the sole purpose of hurting Snyder. You just made ALL of that up in that childish, immature and lying thick head of yours. Grow up.
Kerk Lastnameless
May 12, 2018
There's another obvious option -- he is already out. Contracts can be rescinded and modified if both parties agree.
Nightwing Fan J
May 12, 2018
Even if there's a 1% chance that he's still Batman, we have take it as an absolute certainty.
mattcoz
May 12, 2018
Yes, they just "decide" to win. Did the other team just "decide" to let them win? No, that's ridiculous. These teams are fighting to stay alive. Until that 4th game is won, there is always a chance. It has happened before, it will happen again. Oh, and nobody is forcing you to watch anything. If you're so certain of the outcome, why watch? Oh right, because it's not certain, that's why they play the game.
IamTheOneWhoKnocks
May 12, 2018
All I know is WB needs to come out and say what their plans are moving forward......if any.
1. Nightwing Fan J
  May 12, 2018
  SDCC should provide some clarity
  1. IamTheOneWhoKnocks
    May 12, 2018
    Yeah, I can't wait to be honest. So many rumors after rumors, and no concrete statement from WB. I don't know what to believe anymore.
    1. Nightwing Fan J
      May 12, 2018
      Same here. It's getting annoying.
  2. BatmanNewsChris
    May 12, 2018
    Except last year at SDCC they announced Flashpoint lol
    1. Nightwing Fan J
      May 13, 2018
      I have no idea
lowdevil
May 12, 2018
Pretty sure there is a good reason why things have been so quiet in anything DC news related.
Think about what real news we've got since the JL debacle. Not much. Batflek was dead during his re-shoots. That was pretty clear to me.
Its now mid May and all i really care about is some real news about Reeves work and hopes that Robbies film gets cancelled.
1. ItzSilentStorm
  May 12, 2018
  why do want Margot Robbie's movie canceled?
  1. lowdevil
    May 12, 2018
    Because her stupid idea of an R rated BoP including Batgirl is the worst idea I've ever heard.
    1. ItzSilentStorm
      May 12, 2018
      we honestly don't know what exactly that movie is supposed to be so I dont think it is currently fair to label it stupid and we also have no idea if it will actually be rated R.
      1. lowdevil
        May 12, 2018
        The idea right now is to have it R rated. So thats what im commenting on. Not the film that hasnt been even written.
      2. ItzSilentStorm
        May 12, 2018
        is it? I thought she said that was her original pitch. And we need to not assume we know exactly what this film will be just because the words "Birds of Prey" is being thrown around. THey could just mean "inspired" by that concept but in the context of Harley. Its just confusing as of now because that thing does sort of exist and its called GOtham City Sirens so idk why its isn't just that. But it might not be BoP is the way that we know. SHe said she pitched it as just a "girl gang" movie. SO it could be Harley, maybe someone like Katana from SS(who could fit into an R movie i think), and maybe someone else who isn't exactly a "hero" character that could work in a more adult focused movie. Rose Wilson? Idk. Either way I think the concept sounds like a lot of fun
Comic Fan.
May 12, 2018
Hopefully Ben will leave the role completely after a mutual agreement with WB. Let’s be honest, Marvel are doing this CBM thing pretty well and WB having a dark cloud like Affleck around doesn’t help DC moving forward in any way.
I’m not saying that I want DC to follow Marvels formula, but it would be amazing to have a rich, DC cinematic universe which focused entirely on the films, and not the ups and downs of some tired actor who seems to have given up completely!
Rush Limborg
May 12, 2018
Honestly, assuming that Batfleck actually DOES want out...I think it'd better be a film that centers on Bruce either dying and getting restored via the Lazarus Pit, or just retiring and passing the mantle. Remember that line in Justice League, "I can barely do it now"?
ItzSilentStorm
May 12, 2018
you ask me I think they should just let him direct an elseworld batman beyond movie or something. He could play old Bruce. Or maybe even The Dark Knight Returns.
Seb
May 12, 2018
Go away, Ben.
I'm tired of his bullshit. I want someone who's actually committed to the role. Which includes, giving a good performance and not being too fat to fit into his own goddamn suit.
1. ItzSilentStorm
  May 12, 2018
  he was committed to the role. But everything changed after Snyder left JL and now I believe what they want is no longer what Affleck signed up for. Im pretty certain his run was supposed to end after JL2.
  1. Seb
    May 12, 2018
    No he wasn't. If one failure is all it takes for him to question the role of fucking BATMAN, he was never committed in the first place. His role as Batman has been doubtful long before JL was even released. Heck, it was in doubt since before they even started shooting.
    You want to see genuine commitment? Look at Cavill. That's true commitment.
    1. ItzSilentStorm
      May 12, 2018
      jeez calm down fella. He loves batman. Do you forget he was the one who posted that video of Deathstroke? Thats because of how excited he was. He was still planning on doing his solo film post BvS. But ya he was frustrated with how things were going due to the reception of BvS which wasn't just "meh". It was an outright disaster which would be frustrating/disappointing for anyone in his position especially BECAUSE of the fact that he loves the role so much and considering how monumental that film was supposed to be AND considering the fact that this was his chance at superhero redemption(can you imagine how humiliated he must have felt?) Then you add on to that the failure of his own movie that year. Losing the studio a lot of money and nobody seeming to have a care in the world for it. How is it that hard to understand his frustrations?
      1. Seb
        May 12, 2018
        I love it when people tell me to "calm down", that usually just means you're the ones being triggered. I am calm. You're just projecting.
        I just want this guy to leave. He was never right for this role and if he truly loved Batman, he would have starred in many other films and directed it. I don't give a fuck about that DS video. For all we know Zack shot it (post credit for JL) as a little test and Ben was just excited about that moment. Who cares? True commitment is proven with work and effort. Which he didn't prove by posting a fucking video.
        "But he was frustrated... He was angry". Bullshit. He has the golden opportunity to change all of that, by taking matters into his own hands, as he was chosen to DIRECT the solo Batman film. I will never excuse lazy people who are not assertive when they see problems, they themselves have the potential to fix.
        "It was an outright disaster which would be frustrating/disappointing for anyone in his position especially BECAUSE of the fact that he loves the role so much"
        Oh please.... Keep telling yourself that. "HE ONLY LEAVES BECAUSE HE LOVES IT SO MUCH!".
        Yeah right.
        "his chance at superhero redemption(can you imagine how humiliated he must have felt?"
        Then he shouldn't have worked with incompetent airheads like Snyder, who he must have known are incapable of making decent films on their own. Choosing Snyder as your chance at superhero redemption, is about the dumbest thing Ben could have done. Jesus.
        He still has a shot at redemption btw. It's called Matt Reeves. But Ben doesn't care. He doesn't want to. But suuuuure... "He loves Batman so much". No he doesn't.
        Heck, it may be off topic, but if he loved the character so much, how in the fuck could he ever have approved of Snyder's asinine take on the character? Someone who truly loves and respects the character would never approve of it. Give me a break.
        "How is it that hard to understand his frustrations?"
        Because that's the fucking job. Look at ANY other actor from the DCEU. They have the same problems. Yet NONE of them complain. In fact, they are all incredibly grateful to play these roles. Ben wants out. Let him. We don't need him. His Batman was bad, both in terms of characterization and performance. He should go away and never return and let someone talented and committed take over.
      2. ItzSilentStorm
        May 12, 2018
        you were cursing and flipping out over Ben's supposed lack of interest in being Batman which I deemed to be an overreaction and unnecessary. That is how i interpreted your comment at least. Text can make it hard to understand someone's tone. But triggered is not the word I would use to describe anything here. Either way, it could be way worse. Its not as if he had any sort of public vocal rage/meltdown about the whole situation. And you know one of the reasons he took Daredevil? Because he thought it was probably the closest he would ever get to playing Batman. Have you heard about how he supposedly had an entirely batman themed man cave or something too? And in various interviews he always seems pretty knowledgeable of the lore and characters. The guy is a definitely a fan. Probably more so than Christian Bale tbh. Now he was a guy who struck me as someone who didn't "love" batman but rather just viewed it as an interesting character to play. Not criticizing. Just an observation.
        WHy does he need to direct a bunch of movies himself for him to prove to us that he loves batman? He signed on for three and then was given the opportunity to direct his own wwhich usually isnt the case since most superhero actors are not also talented directors. Im not following you here.
      3. Seb
        May 12, 2018
        Actions speak louder than words. I don't care if he claims to love Batman, because his actions (or lack thereof) prove otherwise. Ffs, he couldn't even be bothered to work out and look halfway decent for his second outing. That's just embarrassing.
        Btw, judging from his interviews, I don't really believe he loves Batman that much anyway. He just loved the Frank Miller, TDKR take. Not necessarily the overall lore of Batman.
        "The guy is a definitely a fan. Probably more so than Christian Bale tbh."
        Suppose he was, why does it matter? Bale was actually committed to the role. Bale actually worked out repeatedly. Bale actually gave a great performance. Ben did none of those things, and all of that for being """"a fan"""".
        "Why does he need to direct a bunch of movies himself for him to prove to us that he loves batman?"
        The point isn't that he "needs" to. The point is, if he loved Batman as you naively claim he does, he would WANT to, but he clearly doesn't.
        Honestly, I really don't care to debate this any further than this. I find this topic extremely tiresome. I want Ben gone. I want him to f*** off. I want someone talented and one who doesn't whine when one movie doesn't go the way he wants. I want someone who's invested in the character. I want someone who's physically committed to the role.
        Basically, I want what Cavill is to Superman, but just for Batman. Ben is NOT that person, and was never gonna be. That's all I'm gonna say about this.
cagonker
May 12, 2018
Will christian bale be back or will they use the actor who's gonna play as Nightwing to become the next batman?
1. nipple_pinchy
  May 12, 2018
  what
2. Kouglof
  May 12, 2018
  Christian Bale will be back to play Nightwing
  1. cagonker
    May 12, 2018
    Huh Look at that. Now in the comics. Dick Grayson becomes Batman and has Damian Wayne become robin.
    1. Kouglof
      May 12, 2018
      Yes I know... it was just a joke but you didn't get it. Christian Bale said he won't be back if a Batman movie is not directed by Christopher Nolan. And Joseph Gordon-Levitt is kind of... too "tiny" to play Batman.
      1. cagonker
        May 12, 2018
        But JGL will be a good Red Robin. yea bale did said that wants nolan to return.
Guy
May 12, 2018
Flashpoint made the most sense to not only satisy the need for a Flash film, but also for the upbringing of fan-favored Jefferey Dean Morgan as Thomas Wayne/Batman and the exit of Affleck as Batman. It just made SENSE, why are they not doing this?!
1. nipple_pinchy
  May 12, 2018
  Flashpoint never ever made sense. Not for a long time until after all the players and the world are strongly established. Using an entire movie now just to explain why an actor was recast is laughably bad. You just recast and move on.
  I know that we as comic nerds want to see Flashpoint now, but the general audience would have no idea what's going on and WB shouldn't risk such a massive movie with so many subplots and storylines before setting everything up.
  Flashpoint is viable, but Flash needs at least one solo movie and 3-4 co-starring appearances before he effs up the timeline. And, if they're doing the story straight from the comics, Aquaman needs his solo movie and for Atlantis to be established. WW 2 and 3 will have been out by then so that's set. The Batman will have released and likely MoS 2/Superman.
  THEN you can have a movie where we can see all the players in an Elseworlds scenario and it makes sense.
BRUCE WAYNE
May 12, 2018
The whole DCEU is a mess. No planning or whatsoever
I mean why get an almost 50 years old dude to play a long term Batman, ofcourse there are gonna be a commitment problems and they should have planned what kind of flash movie they want to do before starting a movie Universe and not in the middle of it where everything is set and done hiring and firing 3 directors coz they have no idea what the movie should be. so Dissapointing seeing how marvel took their time to achieve a wonderful infinity war movie and DC with the most popular and loved CB Characters can't get 1 movie straight
DudeofSteel1Million
May 12, 2018
Ugh... More depressing Batfleck news.
On another note, the #BvSReferences contest closed and Snyder and Terrio chose 10 winners who are all going to receive a prize of some kind.
https://imgur.com/a/Cv9QcDO
The references are interesting to say the least.
1. Kouglof
  May 12, 2018
  That's nice!
  - I haven't noticed the pearl in the well until now.
  - I wasn't sure if it was the same Superman scream between Man of Steel (against Zod) and BvS (against Doomsday) but it confirms now.
  "If God is all-powerful, He cannot be all-good. If He's all-good, He cannot be all-powerful" was a great reference to Leibniz, but it's too short and deserved more lines.
  - I am disappointed about the Gilmamesh reference, it didn't help Jesse at all with people who were watching the movie, people didn't understand how "paradoxal" was Gilmamesh lol
  1. DudeofSteel1Million
    May 12, 2018
    Yeah, they're a fascinating read. I already pegged the Man of Steel/BvS scream a while ago (and further trivia - Lois's scream when Luthor pushes her off Lexcorp is the same scream in Man of Steel where she falls out of the plane when it gets sucked into the Phantom Zone), but the rest of the references were new to me.
nipple_pinchy
May 12, 2018
The story is what comes first. Nothing else. If a Batfleck appearance doesn't work, axe the idea and move on.
Brett John
May 12, 2018
Why people keep talking Ben affleck... but no one freakin mentions Jesse Eisenberg... lul
1. Brett John
  May 13, 2018
  One of the worst castings of a multi million dollar blockbuster film. Still don't get what Warner Bros was thinking writing in the story a quirky psychopathic SON of Lex Luthor. Made a mockery of the Lex senior.
  Oh well. I have absolutely no say in this obviously do my opinions are meaningless.
  We'll have to wait until after 2030 most likely to get another reboot of the DCEU. Sadly. I had always preferred DC over Marvel. But dang, I loved the MCU. Was DISGUSTED by the DCEU.
  1. FUN
    May 13, 2018
    Understandable, after all, DC is offensive, and Marvel is a safe space.
  2. NinjaGamer13
    May 13, 2018
    He's Lex Luthor, and he fits. Get over yourself.
    1. Brett John
      May 13, 2018
      Alrighty. Here you go. Enjoy 'Lex Luthor'
      https://youtu.be/CFgRFOBpMA8
      1. Kouglof
        May 13, 2018
        This Luthor speech has been officially revealed as a reference to Gilgamesh's paradox of power
      2. Brett John
        May 13, 2018
        Still not lex luthor senior. Wont change my opinion regardless
    2. Brett John
      May 13, 2018
      Lex Luthor Jr btw. Maybe get it right
Kouglof
May 12, 2018
This article is like written in 2013, in which Robert Downey Jr or Chris Evans or Chris Hemsworth, would have to play in a last movie for Marvel for contract issues, then being replaced by another actor like nothing had never happened, a new face after multiple movies.
We are talking about Batman, the most popular superhero among all superheroes... do we have to debate in which future movie the actor who played him in previous movies should play? Do we have to talk about Batman like he was just a "Rachel Dawes" in her second appearance of the TDK trilogy, a "Rhodey" in his second appearance in the MCU, or a minor "Bruce Banner" in his second appearance after the most forgettable MCU movie among the first ones? It's kind of... shame.
jrvc
May 12, 2018
What I really find funny about all this situation is that there have been myriads of articles about this topic but we never got any "official" statement/reason to automatically say he was out of the role. Yes I know there hasn't been anything to claim the opposite either, but c'mon all these "reasons" for him to leave just seem to be made up by any blogger that just "heard something" or whatever!
As of now this could be any way. I just would really like him to have at least one more outing, his final movie should have more of BvS Batman so that at least his fans could wash our mouth after how radically changed he was in JL, IMO

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