“Heroes, Villains, and Me” is a periodic article on Geeky KOOL by Larry Litle about the world of comic books and my reaction to it. “Heroes, Villains, and Me” is not a comic book review article. I will write about current events, speculation and rumors, or my own wacky thoughts about the world of comic books and related stuff.
The internet is a buzz once again. Rumors have been swirling around Ben Affleck and his starring role in the upcoming DC Comics The Batman movie. Affleck wanted to direct himself in The Batman but that recently changed. Previously, Affleck had commented that he would direct it if the script was good. When it was announced that Affleck wasn’t directing, speculation jumped stating the script must not but up to par.
Eventually the conjecture calmed down. There were other possible reasons that Ben might not want to direct this movie. He might have realized how intense it will be to be Batman in this film. Directing it might just be too much for him to do while focusing on his acting.
Now the rumor mill is running wild again. Several geek websites, including Bleeding Cool, are reporting Ben Affleck wants out of The Batman movie and the role Batman for the DC cinematic shared universe . He no longer wants to be the Dark Knight according to this gossip.
Ben Affleck played Daredevil way back in 2003 for a Fox Daredevil movie. This was before Marvel got a hold of the character and made Matt Murdock KOOL for Netflix. Back in 2003, this film was considered a flop. Many people blamed Affleck from killing a great character but this film suffered from poor writing and directing.
A lot of fans have enjoyed Affleck’s version of Batman. We have seen him as Bruce Wayne/Batman in both Batman V Superman and Suicide Squad. We have trailers for his role in The Justice League movie. There have been discussions of Affleck as the best cinematic Batman of all time. While some fans don’t hold Affleck’s Batman in this high esteem, there is enough that do love Batfleck.
I have read complaints about the Affleck’s potential leaving the role of Batman. After all, we have only seen him as Batman in two movies so far. We will see him as Batman in The Justice League but that is only 3 movies. How can he only be in three movies as this great character?
I understand this complaint. We are just starting to get the feel for Affleck’s Batman. He brings the feel of the 1986 Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns graphic novel miniseries. But is three movies really that bad?
I consider Michael Keaton to be my cinematic Batman. Yet, Keaton was only Batman for two movies. Many others consider Christian Bale to the quintessential Batman but Bale was only Batman for three movies. No one has played Batman in more than three cinematic full length movies. Ben Affleck will be in three movies if he doesn’t do The Batman. If he does stay on for The Batman and then quits, then he has the longest tenure of any Batman actor.
Marvel Studios have spoiled us. Their actors have stayed in their roles for a long stay. Robert Downey Jr has been Iron Man for 6 movies so far and will be in at least 2 more. Captain America has been played by Chris Evans for 5 movies and will be in at least one more. We can go on and on with this list. This type of long term commitment to a role is unusual.
Would I like to see Ben Affleck stick around as Bruce Wayne/ Batman? Yes I would. But if Affleck wants out, then it would be better to let him go. We want actors that want to be our superheroes.
Stay Geeky My Friends!
