A bit of good news today on the Batman front! Variety reports that Ben Affleck will return to play Bruce Wayne/Batman one last time in the upcoming Flash movie set for 2022. Director Andy Muschietti confirmed that Affleck's version of the Caped Crusader will appear in a cameo, but pivotal role in the upcoming DCEU movie. As you can recall, The Flash movie will be an adaptation of the Flashpoint comic and focus on the concept of the multiverse, while also featuring Michael Keaton's Batman in what is being described as a "prominent" role. So how did Affleck cut his Bat-retirement short to return to the role after retiring a year and a half ago?
According to the report, Affleck received the script last week and agreed to appear in the movie. Muschietti shed some light as to why Affleck will return, mainly because for Ezra Miller's Flash, Affleck's Batman is essentially the original Batman for him. He states, "He’s the baseline. He’s part of that unaltered state before we jump into Barry’s adventure. There's a familiarity there.” This certainly makes the most sense. I feel it would have been a glaring distraction to have Barry go on a parallel universe adventure and meet up with Michael Keaton's Batman without featuring Affleck's Batman at all. It also seems that the script was strong enough for Affleck to return, which is a good sign for the movie for the time being. Honestly, Affleck has a unique opportunity here to retire from the role on a high note after the much-maligned Justice League. Not to mention the fact that Affleck will appear in Zack Snyder's Justice League in early 2021.
I am honestly very surprised and pleased by the news. I've always felt that Affleck was a decent Batman, he was just bogged down by the material that he had at times. He also had an uphill battle to win over fans, whose hate was near-universal when Affleck was announced as Batman seven years ago. Ironically, Michael Keaton was also a target of hate from fans when he was cast as Batman all those years ago because he was a comedic actor. Both actors won over fans and some have been campaigning for Affleck to return for a solo movie or television show, but that ship has sailed unfortunately. One thing I've always noticed is that despite all the hate he got, Affleck genuinely cared about his portrayal of Batman and always pushed to be the best he could be. I commend him for understanding the importance of the role and taking it on one last time rather than just leave it behind with his Batman unresolved.
I think Affleck's return also opens up some interesting opportunities for The Flash movie itself. Will other members of the Justice League appear? I know fans wouldn't mind seeing Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Moama and Ray Fisher return, especially if its an adaptation of Flashpoint. Will other heroes and villains from past DC movies/television shows appear? Will Val Kilmer's Batman appear? Christian Bale? Dare I say...George Clooney? The possibilities are endless, and maybe some more news will be unveiled at The Flash panel this weekend at DC FanDome.
What are your thoughts of Ben Affleck returning one last time to the role of Batman? Sound off in the comments below! Now if we could only get Hugh Jackman to return as Wolverine for the MCU...
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