Ben Affleck’s return to the DCEU was a piece of news that sent the Internet ablaze. Back in 2019, Affleck had confirmed that he would be stepping down and retiring from the role of Batman. This information impacted the SnyderVerse fans considerably, who felt majorly defeated. Amidst a scenario where all hope seemed lost, came the news of Affleck reprising his iconic role in The Flash, alongside Michael Keaton’s Batman.
Furthermore, earlier this year, at the end of July, Jason Momoa revealed one of the surprises that were planned for the fans, through an Instagram post where he confirmed that Affleck would make an appearance in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
The fans were ecstatic to know that Arthur Curry and Bruce Wayne would reunite again. However, in one of the latest interviews, during the Season 3 premiere of See, Jason Momoa raised some doubts in the fans’ minds over the inclusion of Affleck in Aquaman’s second installment and the much-awaited reunion between the two heroes. Whether it is a deliberate tactic to generate curiosity and further hype or an open admission, cannot be ascertained.
Is Ben Affleck Not In Aquaman 2?
In an interview with The Associated Press, Jason Momoa was teasing the plausibility of the next installment of Aquaman featuring more than one iteration of the DC superhero, Batman; perhaps an indirect nudge at Michael Keaton potentially being thrown into the mix? One cannot be certain. However, a specific line has sent the fans down the thinking rabbit hole. While it seems to be not a worrying affair, this is what Momoa had to say:
“I can’t tell you anything about the reunion. He [Ben Affleck] may or may not be in it. There could be more or less or even more Batmans in it. Who knows? You will only know a little bit.”
While it is uncertain whether or not the fans of DCEU would witness a reunion between Arthur and Bruce, it is quite certain that Affleck is set to appear in the sequel. In a different interview, Momoa affirmed a much more direct statement. Dedicated fans – worry not, Ben Affleck may not be in the speculated reunion scene, but his appearance is more than likely.
What truly is intriguing instead is the hint of additional Batmans getting involved in the Aquaman sequel. Taking into consideration that it comes months after The Flash, we may see some of the Multiversal aspects sliding into the world of the Jason Momoa-led premise. The promise of multiple Batmans does seem like a tempting affair. Momoa, who claims that the film has a bunch of surprises, may be planting the seeds of anticipation within fans who are not ready for what’s about to come.
A Lot of Surprises: Ben Affleck Is Definitely In The Sequel
Previously, there was an air of uncertainty regarding Ben Affleck’s return in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, despite the confirmation being presented to us via Momoa’s Instagram post. Now, yet again, the Game of Thrones alum, to clear away even a minuscule of doubt, re-affirmed his statement loud and proud:
“I love him [Ben Affleck] deeply. And uh… yeah. F*ck it. Ben’s coming back! … We have a lot of surprises. So fun.”
To the fans who had any remaining concerns and hesitations concerning the Batfleck return, your answer is finally here. The actor, talking to Access Hollywood, concluded by saying that he’s majorly excited and enthusiastic for the DCEU audience to witness what they’ve been planning. Seems like the wait, which is quite long indeed, would mount up to a great revelation for all. With many narrative forces at play, DCEU’s future might just be on the right track for abundant success.
For enthusiasts of Zack Snyder’s DCEU timeline, it is yet to be seen whether or not WB Discovery and David Zaslav confidently move forward with a full-blown restoration of the SnyderVerse. However, the inclusion of Ben Affleck in future DCEU endeavors and the never-ending rumors surrounding Henry Cavill’s return seems to point to a sliver of hope.
Only the future can tell what route is taken by the studio for the “sustainable growth” it promised for DC’s future.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, featuring Jason Momoa, is slated for a 25 December 2023 release.
Source: AP and Access Hollywood
