Even the biggest detractors of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice have to admit Ben Affleck did a pretty good job as the Caped Crusader. The once-controversial casting proved to be for naught, as Affleck’s take on an older, bitter, more menacing Batman rightfully won over quite a few admirers and impressed many contractors. The meanest reviews I’ve read still called Affleck’s performance at least “fair.” So it’s safe to say that, if anything should come out undamaged from the imploding DC cinematic universe, it would be Affleck’s role as the Dark Knight. So, thankfully, the steps are already in motion to have him stay in the suit at least a little while longer.
Speaking with THR, Affleck’s agent Patrick Whitesell revealed that not only is the Academy Award-winning actor/director tapped to make the two Justice League movies (duh), but that “there’s a script that he’s written that is a really cool [Batman] idea, so that’s out there as an option.” While Affleck starring in and possibly directing a solo Batman movie has been in the cards since last year, this is the first official word we’ve received that the ball is now rolling on the potential project. Especially since, before BvS’ release, word was pretty tentative from Affleck’s camp regarding whether or not the project would actually come into fruition.
Early talk suggested that Affleck was working on the script for the new Batman film with Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer at DC Comics. And, indeed, Affleck revealed that he is most certainly working on “something” with the legendary comic writer in the future. But he didn’t make it explicit if it would be this new Batman film at the time. Though, one would have to assume it is. Warner Bros. is probably pushing hard to have Affleck make this his next top priority, and it seems like he’s pretty persuaded so far. If he did direct it, it would be his fifth film behind-the-camera, after Gone, Baby, Gone, The Town, Best Picture-winner Argo and this fall’s Live By Night. The latter three were all produced and distributed under WB, and that would certainly be the case again for this new superhero movie.
In addition to the films mentioned above, Affleck is also expected to make a brief cameo appearance in Suicide Squad on August 5. Batfleck is officially out of his cave, and it looks like he’s ready to fly high into the night.
