'Batman' standalone film news: Ben Affleck to no longer play the Dark Knight?
First, he stepped down from the director's chair of the standalone "Batman" movie. Now, rumors are going around that Ben Affleck might leave the DC film universe altogether.
Film journalist and host John Campea claimed on Collider's Movie Talk podcast that three different sources who are "involved in some way" to the film project have informed him that Affleck is looking for a way to no longer play Batman.
Although Campea himself said to take his words with a grain of salt, his words were not without basis, given that Affleck himself has made statements about his problems with the "Batman" film, such as script issues, as well as trouble juggling the different tasks he has for the film. These problems led him to resign from director position.
Affleck's first stint as the Caped Crusader was on "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." He later reprised the role in his surprise appearance on "Suicide Squad."
Both films were heavily criticized by critics. The latter, however, won an Academy Award for Best Makeup and Styling at this year's Oscars. According to rumors, Affleck himself was not happy with how the two films turned out, which was why he decided to become more actively involved in the preparations for the standalone "Batman" movie, including writing the script together with comic book writer Geoff Johns.
However, it is worth noting that his film, "Live by Night," which he wrote, directed, and starred in, did not perform well at the box office and received poor reviews from critics. The crime drama flick was made through Warner Bros., which also produces the DC comics' movie adaptations.
His next appearance as Batman would be on the "Justice League" film, which is slated for release this year. However, it is unclear if this will be followed by another movie with him as the Dark Knight. Should he continue playing Batman, Campea said that this might be the last time he will be seen as the said character.
