When the Zack Snyder-directed "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" premiered in March 2016, moviegoers were introduced to a new kind of Batman, courtesy of Ben Affleck. The film received a mixed response and spawned the Sad Affleck meme following the actor's morose reaction to hearing that fans didn't like his portrayal of the caped crusader. Back in June 2016, Affleck told Collider that the Batman that viewers saw in "Dawn of Justice" was "the ultimate loner" with a "wry, ironic gallows humor." He's the last person one would expect to form a team of superheroes.
But that's exactly what he needs to do when "Justice League" arrives this November. Recently, Affleck sat down with Us Magazine to talk about how his character has changed from his previous film.
Batman is 'finding hope' after Superman's death
In a not-so-surprising twist, Superman was killed in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," but not by Batman. His return was hinted at the end of the film when dirt on his coffin began to vibrate. Many fans and viewers speculated that Superman will return as the dark Superman, sporting his black costume. But what are the implications of his death to Batman? Ben Affleck told Us Magazine that in "Justice League," "[Batman is] finding hope again. He has to open up and play well with others.
He knows he needs them."
Bruce Wayne to be The Flash's mentor
When "Justice League" arrives, the film will also show Ben Affleck's Batman as one of The Flash's best buds in the group. Affleck explained that while Batman is "the ultimate loner," he is still "really trying to make it work and develop a good relationship with all of them.
He might be a mentor to The Flash." This Batman-and-Robin relationship will be featured in the upcoming film, as Affleck told Collider last year that Ezra Miller has a "young and fun and full of life" approach to playing The Flash and it would be interesting to see the "natural yin and yang" of the pair on the big screen. Affleck joked, "What does Batman do around a guy who’s really excited and positive all the time?
[laughs]...That’s not his natural state of being."
A changed Batman
In the trailer for "Justice League," viewers can find Commissioner Gordon commending Batman that "It's good to see you playing well with others again." Batman sordidly replies, "It may be temporary." The upcoming Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon-directed film is set to arrive this November 17.
