Zack Snyder recently shared a new image of Ben Affleck as Batman from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), reigniting conversations about what might have been if Affleck had received a solo Batman movie before the franchise transitioned into the new DC Universe (DCU). Ben Affleck first appeared as Bruce Wayne’s Batman in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, a film directed by Snyder that showcased the Dark Knight facing off against Henry Cavill’s Superman.
Memories of Affleck’s Batman in the DC Extended Universe
Following his debut, Ben Affleck’s Batman was featured in several DCEU films, including Suicide Squad, Justice League, and The Flash. Despite these appearances, Affleck never led his own solo Batman project in the DCEU. Recently, Zack Snyder shared a striking photo of Affleck in the Batman suit paired with a brown trench coat, reminiscent of the “Knightmare” sequence from his director’s cut of Justice League. This moody image has rekindled hopes that Affleck’s take on the character might have been explored further with a dedicated film, deepening the portrayal of Batman’s detective skills and darker history.
Though DC Studios’ co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran have yet to announce the new Batman actor for the revamped DCU, the Caped Crusader remains a central figure, recently appearing in a cameo on the animated series Creature Commandos. The absence of a solo DCEU Batman film starring Affleck contrasts with the anticipation building around the DCU’s fresh Batman introduction.
The Unfinished Story of Affleck’s Solo Batman Film
Ben Affleck was cast as Batman in 2013 and soon began developing a solo movie with the intention of directing and starring in it. Co-written with Geoff Johns, the project was initially titled The Batman and was slated for release following the 2017 Justice League movie. However, the film was shelved due to the lukewarm reception of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and a larger strategic shift within the DCEU.
After this setback, Affleck stepped down from directing, which opened the door for Matt Reeves to take over the Batman solo film. Reeves revamped the story to focus on a younger Bruce Wayne, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, leading to the release of 2022’s The Batman. Originally, the ending of Justice League teased the formation of the Legion of Doom, featuring Lex Luthor (played by Jesse Eisenberg) and Deathstroke (Joe Manganiello). This sequence hinted at a storyline where Deathstroke targeted Batman, setting the stage for Affleck’s solo film, but Warner Bros. chose to abandon those plans.
The intended solo movie for Affleck’s Batman would have centered around Deathstroke dismantling Bruce Wayne’s life, culminating in a major confrontation. Unfortunately, behind-the-scenes conflicts and Warner Bros.’ decisions ultimately led to Affleck retiring from the role. While he made a brief appearance in 2023’s The Flash, and was reportedly set for a cameo in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom that was cut, fans continue to wish for a fuller exploration of his Batman on screen.
Future Prospects for Batman in the DC Universe
The discontinuation of Affleck’s solo movie marked a significant turning point for the DC franchise, closing the chapter on his Batman in the DCEU. With James Gunn and Peter Safran steering the DC Studios, there is renewed excitement about who will next take up the mantle of the Dark Knight in the DCU. As the franchise resets, Batman remains a pivotal character with a strong legacy, and fans eagerly await his official DCU debut, which promises a new direction and fresh storytelling opportunities.
“The DCU’s Batman Movie Gets Promising Timeline Update From Director”
— Zack Snyder
