Ben Affleck Reportedly Doesn't Want to Be Batman Anymore
It was recently reported that Warner Bros. offered The Batman directing gig to Matt Reeves (Rise of the Planet of the Apes). He will take the place of Ben Affleck, who unsurprisingly dropped out as the director. Now, according to a recent report, Affleck wants out of the Batman franchise completely. According to John Campea of Collider Movie Talk, Affleck doesn't even want to play Batman anymore. During their recent show he said:
"Ben Affleck, make no mistake, he does want out. He doesn't want to be Batman anymore. I've been told, Ben Affleck is talking with Warner Bros. in an attempt to get out of being Batman. And if they do not let him out of being Batman, the standalone Batman film that ultimately happens will be the last time we see Ben Affleck as Batman."
This is just a big fat rumor at the moment. Campea says to take the news with a grain of salt and not to share it around. But if he didn't want anyone to share it around, then why in the hell would he say anything in the first place? Then he goes on to reveal it in a "matter of fact" kind of way. If he's not confident in his sources he shouldn't start the rumor. But he did start it, and he should have known the internet was going to run with it and blow it up.
One of the most recent things we heard about The Batman is that the script is done and everyone, including Affleck, is happy with how it turned out. If that's the case, then this latest rumor is obviously nothing. Of course, there's always the chance that the three sources Campea heard it from could be right and the DCEU is in bigger trouble than we initially thought.
I'd hate to see Affleck step away as Batman because I think he plays the character awesomely, regardless of the weak script and character development he's had to work with. I personally don't think Affleck will be dropping out. I have a feeling we'll see him play Batman at least through the end of the second Justice League film.
At this point, who knows what's going to happen. We're just going to have to wait and see how this all shakes out. We'll keep you informed on any updates.