Actors come and go, each leaving their mark on a superhero’s legacy before passing the baton to the next generation. Those who have enjoyed Ben Affleck’s turn as Batman in the DCEU films should brace themselves for a tidal wave of dissatisfaction. With the release of Aquaman 2, Affleck’s time as Batman will come to an end.
With James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm, DC Studios has recently undergone some changes, and this announcement comes as the franchise is being taken in a new direction. Fans will miss Affleck, but his departure will pave the way for new ideas and interpretations in the DC Universe.
Ben Affleck’s Dark Knight Exit From The DCU
For his part in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman has been met with acclaim and criticism since he first put on the cape and cowl. His dark, intense performance breathed new life into the classic role.
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However, as events in the DCEU progressed, fans became increasingly divided over the choice to portray Batman as a more ruthless vigilante. Many critics were won over by Affleck’s performances in Justice League and the critically acclaimed director’s cut, Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
While Affleck’s portrayal of Batman won him many fans, some people were unhappy with his changes to the Dark Knight’s character and voiced their displeasure. Traditionalists, who saw Batman’s moral code against taking lives as central to his identity, were offended by the decision to portray him as someone who had no qualms about killing his enemies.
However, Affleck’s performance added new depth to Batman, reflecting the character’s darkness and complexity.
The Last Time We See Ben Affleck In The DCU
While there was speculation that Ben Affleck might take on a directing role in the new DC Universe, the actor has made it clear that he has no interest in directing a future DC movie under the supervision of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
“I would not direct something for the [James] Gunn DC. Absolutely not. I have nothing against James Gunn. Nice guy, sure he’s going to do a great job. I just wouldn’t want to go in and direct in the way they’re doing that. I’m not interested in that.”
Even though Affleck has said he will no longer play Batman, following his recent cameo in The Flash, the audience will get one last look at him in a Batman suit in Aquaman 2. As recently seen in The Flash, multiple versions of Batman, including those played by Affleck and Michael Keaton in the 1989 film, have come together on the big screen.
With the release of The Flash, fans will soon say goodbye to Ben Affleck’s Batman and look forward to the new direction the DC Cinematic Universe will take the beloved superhero franchise under the guidance of James Gunn and Peter Safran.
Some fans may be disappointed by Affleck’s departure, but the opportunity for new creative voices to put their stamp on the Batman franchise is exciting. Fans of the DCU can rest assured that the World’s Greatest Detective will continue to make headlines with groundbreaking innovations and high-stakes adventures.
Source: USA Today
