Zack Snyder has released a new behind-the-scenes photo featuring Ben Affleck suited up in the heavily armored Batsuit from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This glimpse comes as fans reflect on Snyder’s era and the lasting impact of his vision for the DC Extended Universe, with the Zack Snyder Batman v Superman collaboration continuing to fuel discussion among comic book and movie enthusiasts.
Anticipation and Reception of Batman v Superman
Leading up to its March 2016 debut, anticipation soared for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as decades of comic book fans awaited the first cinematic team-up between two of DC Comics’ most iconic heroes. This anticipation translated into a record-setting opening weekend at the box office, but enthusiasm quickly faded when the film faced harsh criticism from reviewers and fans. The movie’s Rotten Tomatoes scores tell the tale: critics awarded it just 28%, while audiences rated it a more generous, though still lukewarm, 63%.
Despite achieving an impressive global box office total of $874.4 million, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was ultimately labeled a box office disappointment. Warner Bros. responded to the lukewarm reception by shifting direction for their interconnected superhero universe—an approach that would notably impact other DCEU projects like Suicide Squad, which went through significant reworking prior to its release.
Ben Affleck’s Interpretation Leaves a Mark
Many fans continue to appreciate Zack Snyder’s time guiding the DCEU, highlighting Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice as a film containing standout elements. Chief among them is Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman, also referred to as the Caped Crusader or vigilante, a take on the iconic character that some still regard as the best cinematic version to date. Affleck’s Batman, representing a grittier and more battle-ready incarnation, took direct visual inspiration from Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns.
The film sees Affleck’s Batman, physically outmatched by Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel—also called Supes or the Kryptonian—don a specialized armored suit for their climactic showdown. Armed with a Kryptonite spear, Batman nearly defeats Superman, but the confrontation’s emotional pivot comes as Superman’s plea for his mother, Martha, causes Batman to reconsider his violent intentions. That plot twist remains fiercely debated among fans and critics alike, underlining the film’s polarizing reputation.
Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Wearing the Batsuit
Snyder’s newly revealed photograph of Ben Affleck in full armor draws fresh attention to the reality of filming these intense sequences. While the armored Batsuit achieved the filmmakers’ ambitious visual goals, Affleck has been candid about the toll it took on him during production.
“I hated the Batsuits. The Batsuits are horrendous to wear,”
Affleck, Actor
“They’re hot for one thing. They don’t breathe. They’re made to look the way they want them to look. There’s no thought put into the human being. So what happens is that you just start sweating. I’m already — I sweat, you know what I mean? So in that thing, you’d just be pouring water.”
Affleck, Actor
“It just made it difficult to make the movie, because you’re so hot. It also does not make you feel very heroic, because you’re instantly exhausted and really sweaty,”
Affleck, Actor
“Maybe Christian [Bale] or Rob [Pattinson], guys like that, were just better at dealing with it.”
Affleck, Actor
This firsthand insight reveals the physical strain involved in bringing a cinematic superhero to life, with Affleck humorously comparing himself to fellow Batman actors Christian Bale and Rob Pattinson regarding their ability to withstand the challenges posed by the costume.
Reflection on the DCEU’s Direction and Lasting Influence
Zack Snyder’s creative approach to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, including his unique take on classic comic book characters and storytelling, has left a contentious legacy for the DCEU. Despite critical divisiveness and challenges behind the scenes, the film’s striking visuals—exemplified by Affleck’s heavily armored Batman—continue to attract fan attention and conversation about the direction of superhero cinema. As Warner Bros. and DC move forward, Snyder’s vision remains a reference point for both its supporters and critics, ensuring that the Zack Snyder Batman v Superman era is not soon forgotten.
