When actor Ben Affleck was first announced as taking the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman in last year’s Warner Brothers-DC superhero flick “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” the news did not go over so well. Complaints ranged from Affleck being too old to him not being “Batman” enough for fans. The gripping eventually died down as Warner-DC arranged for Affleck to continue with the role through “Justice League” and a solo Batman flick (which he would also direct). But problems seemed to put the kibosh on that direction when the actor announced his stepping down as director of the next “Batman” movie.
Then news came that he was not up to reprising that character at all. Affleck had to chime in on the rumors: they are false.
Don’t believe it
Amid the hubbub brought by the unconfirmed news that Ben Affleck was hanging up the cowl on Warner Brothers, the actor himself appeared at the San Diego Comic Con WB panel on Saturday, July 22 to set the record straight. Standing with his “Justice League” co-stars including Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (Flash) and Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Affleck affirmed his commitment to playing the role of Batman. This was in the wake of reports that the studio was cooking up a “graceful exit” for the star due to “creative differences.”
Affleck notes that he considers himself “the luckiest guy in the world” for the opportunity alone to portray one of the most famous superheroes around.
He also laid out his full endorsement of “War for the Planet of the Apes” director Matt Reeves, who is taking his place in the chair for the far-off “Batman” movie. "I will be an ape for Matt Reeves, much less be Batman," Affleck declared. "It's a great time to be in the DC universe." Ezra Miller also chimed in with the audience to “not believe the [sacking] hype.”
Ben Affleck says reports are wrong they're writing him out. He's committed to playing Batman. #SDCC #comiccon pic.twitter.com/TzXHDlNysD
— CineMovie TV (@CineMovie) 22 July 2017
‘Justice League’ refutes rumor
There was a lot of speculation that brewed when Ben Affleck stepped down from directing himself in Warner-DC’s solo “Batman” movie.
His official explanation that he felt unable to do two jobs effective at the same time did not quite misgivings that the studio is having a creative conflict with the actor. His statement at the SDCC while hyping “Justice League” is hoped to quiet down any further rumors in this vein.
Speaking of “Justice League” Warner Brothers unleashed another trailer for the fans’ enjoyment during their SDCC panel.
Affleck said he was “really, really proud” of how the final product came out, adding, "I think you'll see why I'm so excited for Batman." The “Justice League” film will premiere this coming November.
