Ben Affleck still open to directing a DC film

By

·

March 10, 2019

Shutterstock - Ben Affleck - lev radin

Despite now having departed the role of Batman, it seems that Ben Affleck is not totally opposed to still being involved with the DCEU.

Affleck is currently on the promotional circuit for his new Netflix film, Triple Frontier. Although the questions are sticking primarily to that film, it is inevitable that the topic of his tenure as Batman comes up. While he may be done donning the cowl, that doesn't mean he's done for good with DC films.

Speaking with LADBible, he was asked whether he would ever return to direct a film in the DCEU. It seems he would at leas tbe open to it. "I imagine it would be weird to step in and do another character," Affleck told LADBible. "I can certainly imagine directing a movie, you know - if they [DC] would have me - if it was something I was passionate about. It's not about like kind of closing doors on stuff, I just couldn't figure out how I wanted to do that one [next Batman film], so it became time to let someone else take a crack at it."

Currently, Matt Reeves is working on the film, and the next solo Batman film is scheduled to hit theaters on June 25, 2021. As for what character Affleck could tackle, that is anyone's guess. However, we imagine it will be quite some time before he's up to coming back into the superhero world.

SOURCE: LADBible
IMAGE SOURCE: Shutterstock - Ben Affleck - lev radin

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

98 comments

NinjaGamer13
March 10, 2019
I'd like to see him direct a Question movie, honestly. Let him play in the DC sandbox without having to go too crazy, show moments of comic awesomeness and fun, but mainly keep it a low-key gritty crime mystery.
1. Flower & Monster & Golden Calf
  March 10, 2019
  I have a suspicion that that Montoya in Birds of Prey will be the Question.
  1. NinjaGamer13
    March 10, 2019
    Not goddamn 50 something Rosie Perez as the question. Sigh.
    1. Flower & Monster & Golden Calf
      March 10, 2019
      You can get someone young with a mask on to do the stunts.
      1. NinjaGamer13
        March 10, 2019
        Still doesn't look the part with the mask off though.
    2. ItzSilentStorm
      March 10, 2019
      why does everyone have a problem with how old she is? Im so confused. Like who cares? I never took Montoya as a character that everyone would want to be young and attractive tbh.
      1. NinjaGamer13
        March 10, 2019
        Cause she is too old. And this is launching a franchise. So she will be close to 60 if this movie has a sequel. Why not just cast someone in their 30s?
      2. ItzSilentStorm
        March 10, 2019
        maybe she is only appearing in this movie?
      3. NDH
        March 11, 2019
        Like a Michelle Rodriguez
2. jrvc
  March 10, 2019
  A gritty crime mystery is how I always pictured his Batman movie was going to be, with some action scenes with Deathstroke here and there.
  I think it could've been a great one, hope one day we learn exactly what happened with the project, maybe even with some tidbits about what it was going to be about
  1. NinjaGamer13
    March 10, 2019
    Agreed. But since he is not associated with The Bat anymore, let him tackle the ?
    1. Robin Bankes
      March 10, 2019
      I know he probably wouldn’t because too close to Batman, but I’d love to see him tackle a Batman rogues gallery flick in the vain of rogue one where the villains are truly villains with missions we can appreciate/empathize with, albeit evil and selfish, and are haunted by a truly horrifying mysterious Bat creature at night (a la Vader in R1) that we don’t even really ever see and let the script flow from the eyes of the villains, Affleck movies all revolve around the arguably villainous (band robbers, spies, mobsters) and don’t turn them into good guys like SS did, keep them bad but help us understand their side and motivation (Zod in MOS is great example imo) and frankly empathize with their paralytic fears of this bat nightmare that they don’t understand and have no control over (like a monster horror movie, Alien comes to mind, in fact the first scene of Batman in BvS beautifully embodies the dynamic I’d like to see fleshed out in this kind of flick)
      1. BornAgainPCGamer
        March 11, 2019
        That would be all kinds of epic.
      2. Robin Bankes
        March 11, 2019
        Every now and then haha cheers!
Hunter Zolomon
March 10, 2019
Have him direct MoS2 with Cavill as Supes.
1. lowdevil
  March 10, 2019
  Ask the director of;
  Witness for the prosecution, Live by Night, The Town, Argo and Gone Baby Gone to do a pg family Superman film.
  Makes sense.
  1. Hunter Zolomon
    March 10, 2019
    He just said in the interview that he would be open to a DC film, learn to read dumbass.
    1. lowdevil
      March 10, 2019
      So (a) DC film means (any) DC film? Who needs to learn?
      Love how you always react to those who disagree with you.
      I don't think he's right for Superman.
      You be you.
      1. Hunter Zolomon
        March 10, 2019
        You be you an angry troll who barely says anything of worth on here and just acts angry with everyone.
        The fact you think he wouldn't do Superman because his previous films have been adult films shows how little you know. James Gunn prior to Guardians done two very R-Rated films, Scorsese even done a "family" film in Hugo so yeah directors do both. Fact is Affleck is a big Superman fan so he might be tempted to do it with Cavill if he could get a great script for it, hell his Batman film would have had to be PG-13 so he's clearly ok with that.
      2. lowdevil
        March 10, 2019
        Good thing there are people like you who label anyone with a different way of seeing things is a troll and an idiot.
        You are painting yourself a good picture.
      3. Hunter Zolomon
        March 10, 2019
        Only have to look at your comment history on here to see what you are, the amount of insults you have thrown at people unprovoked is pretty pathetic.
      4. lowdevil
        March 10, 2019
        My history? I actually don't do that but let's see... Because you think you add substance to this comment section by posting 50 times daily you believe it's your right to insult but I do not have that right?
        You are probably only half way through your day of daily posts so I won't keep you from your life outside work. Whatever that is.
      5. Bartholomew Hunt
        March 10, 2019
        Hunter thinks he's Lord and Protector of Batman-News. He accused me also for always being negative. I didn't appreciate it, even though he was mostly right. LOL
      6. lowdevil
        March 10, 2019
        I don't want to be a hypocrite like he is but he really does think that.
      7. Hunter Zolomon
        March 10, 2019
        That reminds me remember when you were heavily convinced Aquaman would only make 750m max and got very offensive over that, yeah good times haha
      8. Bartholomew Hunt
        March 10, 2019
        You know, boy, you replied to me a couple of weeks ago with this exact same comment, down to the "good times" snark. That's... kinda disturbing, just like the amount of comments you post a day.
      9. Hunter Zolomon
        March 10, 2019
        I just find it funny as you were so convinced over it and even got aggressive over it.
        As for me posting loads of comments? Yeah i will just copy and paste what i told "lowdevil", if you don't like me commenting on something called Disqus what Batman News uses so people can discuss the articles then maybe you should complain to the mods.
      10. Bartholomew Hunt
        March 10, 2019
        LOL, if you find it "funny" or if you think you've somehow "nailed" me, then you should really get out more, reconnect with the outside world. You truly are pathetic.
      11. Hunter Zolomon
        March 10, 2019
        Says the person who spends most of his day bitching on a Batman site about everything.
      12. ShobiNaq
        March 12, 2019
        Hey hey, we're on the same team here. Don't fight.
        PS. That's team "Hack Snyder Almost Killed DC" in case you were wondering
      13. Hunter Zolomon
        March 10, 2019
        That's funny i made one comment on this article or i would have made one comment if you never had replied to me with some snaky comment what added nothing to what i said.
        Also if you don't like me commenting on something called Disqus what Batman News uses so people can discuss the articles then maybe you should complain to the mods otherwise stop being a whiny bitch.
      14. lowdevil
        March 10, 2019
        You made a comment, I disagreed.
        Then it was you that became the bitch. Or would you like a recap?
      15. Hunter Zolomon
        March 10, 2019
        I made a comment you didn't like so you replied with a snarky comment. You then act all butthurt because i responded in kind and then just make up bullshit.
  2. Popc247365
    March 11, 2019
    Just like the man who directed the Omen and the Lethal Weapon movies who made the best Superman film?
2. NinjaGamer13
  March 10, 2019
  I really would like to see Patty Jenkin’s take on that. Do you think Ben would be as good of a fit?
  1. Hunter Zolomon
    March 10, 2019
    I think he could be, he is a big SM fan and he got along with Cavill.
    1. NinjaGamer13
      March 10, 2019
      Might be a little awkward though since he left and Cavill didn’t :P
  2. ShobiNaq
    March 12, 2019
    Ninja slowly turning into the most reasonable guy on Batman news. Are we in an alternate dimension?
3. StarTheory
  March 10, 2019
  The next director should be able to put Superman back on the map, not someone that is constantly unsure of himself.
Flower & Monster & Golden Calf
March 10, 2019
I'm sure lots of directors & writers are interested in DC right now. They can do else worlds and not worry about some tie-in universe.
kingcrim84
March 10, 2019
He has four major director credits: Gone Baby Gone, The Town, Argo, and Live By Night.
Unless he wants to take on a huge, expensive production with a tentpole character, I think he’d do great with a lower-key project; something less expensive and expansive.
1. Rorschach
  March 10, 2019
  Just because he’s worked on smaller projects doesn’t mean anything. Look at Chris Nolan’s filmography before “Batman Begins.”
  That being said, I can’t understand why anyone would subject themselves to the torture of making a big-budget studio extravaganza. If you’re a director without a distinctive vision (think the Russo Brothers or any successful no-name director who’s succeeded within the MCU) working within the studio system, it’s fine. But if you have half a sense of creative integrity and a philosophy behind your work (think of someone like John Carpenter, who always hated working with studios and preferred his small, independent projects), the studio system just sucks your soul from your body.
  1. Bartholomew Hunt
    March 10, 2019
    That's not necessarily always the case. Nolan, Raimie and Norrington (Blade director) had plenty of creative control. Wan and, to a lesser extent, Jenkins also received some creative freedom. Snyder was named the architect of the DC films, and pretty much did whatever he wanted with MoS and BvS.
OptimistPrime99
March 10, 2019
https://uploads.disquscdn.c... I think Affleck proved that he's not, "about that life".😂
Despite his early success, he still needs to grow a lot more as a director. I see Affleck as a low pressure director, that REALLY doesn't want to be attached to anymore embarrassing failures. Heavy scrutiny and a big budget, is something he would probably want to avoid for a while. How Snyder managed to convince him to put on the Batsuit, is beyond me.😂
Joe
March 10, 2019
How about the next Superman? Chris McQuire isn't going to nor a GL movie. So why not Ben Affleck. He knows Superman just as well as Batman. If he was given Creative control and just enough time to write it. It may work.
lowdevil
March 10, 2019
I will say this again. A young Gordon deserves his own film and his struggles with the mob and Carmine Falcone , Cassamento's etc.. Afflek is best at R-rated crime dramas not Superman.
An R-rated mafia crime drama set in a DC world. Yes. Especially if The Joker kills it at BO.
Bartholomew Hunt
March 10, 2019
Give him Plastic Man, LOL...
AquamanIsCool
March 10, 2019
Deathstroke or Man of Steel 2
1. SBHM
  March 10, 2019
  Deathstroke (if it’s still happening) is being directed by Gareth Evans supposedly. He did The Raid, and I can’t think of a better action director for Deathstroke than him. I wouldn’t mind Affleck doing a Green Arrow film with the TV show ending.
  1. AquamanIsCool
    March 11, 2019
    I think he's not working on it anymore or it's currently dead. I could be wrong.
Thanasis
March 10, 2019
Let him do Man of Steel 2. Make the title Superman and we're good.
1. NinjaGamer13
  March 10, 2019
  Make it Man of Tomorrow. Keeps the alternate name theme going, and also symbolizes Supes’ new lease on life and development as a person since his death and resurrection, a brighter future.
  1. Thanasis
    March 10, 2019
    Why? There has never been a movie called just Superman. In fact, his death an resurrection is the perfect time to give him the title.
    1. NinjaGamer13
      March 11, 2019
      Did 1978 never happen?
      1. Thanasis
        March 11, 2019
        The movie wasn't originally called Superman. The movie's official title was Superman The Movie. Unless of course I'm completely remembering wrong. The first dvd/vhs I owned was titled Superman:the movie. The fact that people don't know that is sad.
      2. myzterius
        March 11, 2019
        I dont think youre suppose to say the movie. Everybody calls it superman, or superman 1978 to be clear. It did say Superman "the movie" on the vhs though.
      3. Thanasis
        March 11, 2019
        Everyone calls it Superman. But I'm almost 100% certain the official title of the film is Superman: The Movie. Technically, there hasn't been a modern Superman movie officially titled Superman. It was definitely marketed as Superman the movie though.
      4. myzterius
        March 11, 2019
        I think that "the movie" part isnt really part of the title, it was just a way to let people know that it was a movie and not a tv show or something idk. Every website has it listed as superman or superman 1978.
      5. Thanasis
        March 11, 2019
        Again, not disagreeing that most people called it Superman or Superman 1978. I'm just saying that at an official capacity and in marketing it was called Superman: The Movie. Which is why it was marketed as that. There was no live action or animated tv show or movie focused on Superman at that point. So the distinction wouldn't make any sense.
      6. myzterius
        March 11, 2019
        Actually there was a tv show that aired in the 50s called the adventures of superman, which was very popular, so it would make since to put "the movie" in front of the title to not confuse people. But technically, you do have a point that it was marketed as superman the movie, but i imagine that the real title is just superman and that they were trying to separate themselves from the hit tv show.
        There was also an animated tv show called the new adventures of superman in the late 60s and super friends in the 70s, and i almost forgot superman (1948) 15 part black and white film.
      7. Thanasis
        March 11, 2019
        I was referring to shows and movies during the time of the movie's release. It makes no sense to add the "The Movie" subtitle when the last Superman live action show/tv was a couple of decades ago. And Super Friends wasn't called Superman so there's no reason for it either.
      8. NinjaGamer13
        March 12, 2019
        Pretty sure that was actually its *un*official title. Might’ve said it on the VHS, but I think it was officially titled Superman. Either way though, that’s SERIOUSLY splitting hairs “The Movie” or not, lol
      9. Thanasis
        March 12, 2019
        It really isn't. If there is no movie titled Superman now's the chance
  2. STARMAN
    March 11, 2019
    J.A. Bayona or Russo Brothers for MOS 2 and I feel a standalone Superman movie should be called SUPERMAN UNCHAINED. What do you think?
    1. NinjaGamer13
      March 12, 2019
      JA Bayona kinda seems like an out-of-left-field choice, and I don’t think there’s any shot at the Russo brothers since they’re so integrally involved with the MCU, but Superman Unchained is a hardcore title, which could also get across the idea of his being detached from the weight that was on his shoulders before, while still harkening back to the comics.
ShobiNaq
March 10, 2019
Oh yeah he wants to come back now that things are starting to smooth out. Lol gtfo
1. IamTheOneWhoKnocks
  March 10, 2019
  I know right...I thought the same thing, let others take a shot.
SΛŁIM
March 10, 2019
With the next cancellation of 'Arrow', now would be perfect a Green Arrow film directed by Ben Affleck and starring Charlie Hunnam (who also starred in 'Triple Frontier' next to Batfleck)... or else I could direct a movie of The Question.
AnonymousHero
March 10, 2019
I really like the idea of him taking on a Green Arrow origin film. I could see him doing Cyborg as well but GA more so. Feel like maybe Green Lantern and Flash would be a bit much but GA's psyche and temperament seems like it'd fit his wheelhouse real well if the studio would get behind it. He'd make that fun, dramatic, action-packed, and intellectually interesting.
I could see him being the Jon Favreau to Iron Man for Green Arrow. Don't know if they feel like they're rolling the dice with him because of past work experience, but if he stays in a good space, I'd welcome him to step up to the plate, commit, and knock one out the park for DC.
ItzSilentStorm
March 10, 2019
should do Deathstroke if Gareth Evans can't do it
SJ1986
March 10, 2019
*Breaking* - Director open to directing movie...
Newgate Cinematics
March 10, 2019
wtf happened with 100 bullets with Tom Hardy?? I was hyped as hell seeing that movie coming to live action but I have not heard new about it since 2015!
myzterius
March 10, 2019
You had your chance Affleck, now stay away from DC please.
Where are the people that said captain marvel will flop or make less than WW? And that it will not make over 1b? Well, it just had a 455m(bigger than BvS)opening weekend and 153m domestically. I watched it last night and it was better than i expected, but i dont know which movie i liked more between this and WW.
1. StarTheory
  March 10, 2019
  I thought it was crap and not deserving at all but the Marvel brand is strong so success is guaranteed regardless.
  1. myzterius
    March 10, 2019
    It was far from crap, except for the last fight. I thought it was fun and entertaining which is what i expect from a super hero film.
  2. ItzSilentStorm
    March 10, 2019
    for real. 455m opening for Captain Marvel? What? It almost seems a tad ridiculous that almost any character they throw out there now apparently has the potential to make a billion. Maybe its the Infinity War hype
2. ItzSilentStorm
  March 10, 2019
  455m opening? Christ how on earth did that happen? I am not even saying that because I have some problem with the movie but really? 455m for Captain Marvel? Good lord Marvel is just unstoppable at this point. Maybe its just the Infinity War hype. THough it does sound like, from what I am hearing, the movie is kind of meh. Not bad but lower tier in terms of MCU films. Tbh I kind of miss the days when a property had to be either extremely well known and/or the movie had to be REALLY good to make a billion dollars. If this movie makes a billion it just goes back to what I have said before. Billion just doesn't even seem special anymore. A bit disappointing for WW's sake too. Was hoping DC could at least have SOMETHING over Marvel.
  1. myzterius
    March 10, 2019
    "455m opening? Christ how on earth did that happen? I am not even saying that because I have some problem with the movie but really? 455m for Captain Marvel? Good lord Marvel is just unstoppable at this point. "
    It was bound to be a huge success since its the movie before Endgame, which is a huge boost and black panther is proof. Its like the movie you have to see before endgame or you'll feel left out since shes suppose to have a big part in endgame.
    "THough it does sound like, from what I am hearing, the movie is kind of meh"
    The movie is like most mcu movies, but i liked it and it served its purpose as a superhero film. Dont expect a movie like TDK or dofp though.
    "Tbh I kind of miss the days when a property had to be either extremely well known and/or the movie had to be REALLY good to make a billion dollars. If this movie makes a billion it just goes back to what I have said before. Billion just doesn't even seem special anymore."
    This movie will definitely make a billion with a 455m opening weekend, unless it crashes like BvS but thats nearly impossible. The only movie that made a billion back then was titanic, and then TDK and avatar a decade plus later. I consider the mcu as extremely well known since they've been building it since 2008. Movie tickets went up, there's more screenings then before, the market expanded with imax and 3d and other formats, soon, 2 billion will be the new norm.
    1. ItzSilentStorm
      March 10, 2019
      the MCU as a whole I guess. The brand recognition is real thats for sure. But obviously not every MCU movie is a billion dollar maker. So I am just wondering why Captain Marvel. It insane to me that we live in a world where these things happen.A movie about Captain Marvel can make as much money on its opening weekend as a movie called Batman v Superman. Its insane. Though I suppose "Aquaman" did make a billion as well which is also crazy. Idk man. Its all just so flipping weird to me. I am really curious to see how the next few MCU movies after Endgame do.
3. Half life 3 confirmed
  March 10, 2019
  I've never seen anyone saying CM will make less than WW. CM has Marvel's brand. It was always going to be a success.
  1. myzterius
    March 11, 2019
    "I've never seen anyone saying CM will make less than WW"
    I saw plenty comments saying that.
    1. Half life 3 confirmed
      March 11, 2019
      Creating a false narrative where it never was the case. What I can say is I visit DC sites so naturally they're biased toward DC and even in there I never saw anyone saying how CM will never gross more than WW.
      1. myzterius
        March 11, 2019
        Im referring to the comments on batman news, which i visit and comment regularly. I saw the comments im speaking of, and i dont really care if you believe me or not, no offense.
      2. Half life 3 confirmed
        March 11, 2019
        Can you provide links? There are known trolls on this site. I wouldn't take what they write seriously.
4. NinjaGamer13
  March 12, 2019
  Yeah I can’t say I’m dying for Affleck to get involved after all that drama.
  Haven’t seen Captain Marvel yet, but the commercials make it look pretty bad :P
  1. myzterius
    March 12, 2019
    "Yeah I can’t say I’m dying for Affleck to get involved after all that drama."
    Exactly... When things start doing better now he wants to come back, but he had a chance to make a movie with one of the biggest characters of all time,and he abandoned the project and the character. Not to mention all the other stuff.
    "Haven’t seen Captain Marvel yet, but the commercials make it look pretty bad :P"
    Yea i wasnt sold on the trailer either, but thats what my kids wanted to watch, and to my surprise, i ended up enjoying it.
DudeofSteel1Million
March 10, 2019
He could direct a Green Arrow movie or Justice League Dark.
He's clearly good at ensemble movies, but of course he hasn't done anything that's on the scale of a Superman movie for instance, so those two would probably fit his liking.
StarTheory
March 10, 2019
No thanks. If you didn't have the confidence and passion for your own character then how could you possibly have it for another? You'll just end up wasting everyone's time yet again.
IamTheOneWhoKnocks
March 10, 2019
Nahh....there are other great directors out there, why take such a risk again.
Adam Dale
March 10, 2019
Get Gunn, post Suicide Squad, to do a batshit Lovecraftian take on Doctor Hurt and give Suicide Squad 3 to Affleck so he can go The Town on it.
Nahuel Benvenuto
March 10, 2019
I heard he is a good director, they should give him some movie to do
1. Flower & Monster & Golden Calf
  March 11, 2019
  Not when you're an alcoholic. Too much responsibilities.
BornAgainPCGamer
March 11, 2019
How about that Deathstroke movie that was rumoured to be in development. He could direct it like a crime drama similar to The Town. I think it would be a good fit for him.
Kouglof
March 11, 2019
Since I haven't seen him directing a CGI movie, and that Arrow serie is getting an end, he can do a grounded Green Arrow movie with his Triple Frontier friend who looks like Green Arrow
The Doctor
March 11, 2019
You don't ask the girl you had just previously been dating to be your friend, especially when you did the dumping. You got what you wanted Ben, your not Batman anymore, move on, DC fans certainly have.
kan
March 11, 2019
He was only in rehab a few months, and then he comes out all clean and brand new, like so many Hollywood addicts, more PR than actual healing. I am not buying it, nor do I want an "compromised" director f'ing-up a DC superhero film. Pass. Lots of other projects for him to work on.
jack danielson
March 11, 2019
Deathstroke needs to be handled. you cant just tease that shit and be like, "yea well i couldnt crack it." the fuck man. Commit.
Filmygram
March 14, 2019
He can direct a movie?? Didn't knew that!

Browse By Topic

Browse By Year

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