First, just the news and the facts of the matter…
In a recent interview with DAILY SABAH, Ben Affleck says he might like to portray Batman again, but actually direct a Batman movie!
“For me, it’s interesting, and I always evaluate this stuff on the merit of the material. I want to direct a Batman movie, and I never got a script that I was happy with, so they are starting over and writing another script. And right now, I think a lot of different possibilities I think for the way the DC Universe could go, and I will just follow my interests in pursing that. And I know that I love working with this group of people, and it was a real joy for me to make this movie”
OK, fine. Now, my take on it…
Enough already!
Affleck had the chance to direct a Batman film blew it – though I believe it was doomed from the beginning. Don’t tell me and all the smart Batman fans out there that the only reason Affleck didn’t direct was because he could find a good script – a script that HE was writing! That’s nonsense.
In regards to playing Batman again, it’s very likely that it isn’t even his decision. It’s pretty clear that Warner Bros. is ready to move on, and the word on the street is that Matt Reeves wants his own Batman/Bruce Wayne – as he should. And really, why would fans want him to return after he slept-walked his way through JUSTICE LEAGUE?
The bottom line is that Affleck’s turn as Batman needs to be over and Batman on film needs a fresh start.
Now, to be fair to Affleck, I’m quite sure that he’s simply being the good soldier/team player in this interview and saying very “PR” things out of respect for the studio. Despite the fact that Warner Bros. has likely soured on Affleck continuing on as Batman, I’m quite sure that they want to remain in the “Ben Affleck, writer/director” business, and Affleck wants to the same.
In spite of the fact that what Affleck says here is frankly ridiculous – particularly after all the drama surrounding him and his role/future in a solo Batman movie, as well as the disaster known as JUSTICE LEAGUE – I’m not taking these new comments from him seriously. And neither should you. – Bill “Jett” Ramey
