Ben Affleck has hung the cloak, and retired, from being Batman. The actor has confirmed in a tweet that he will no longer be the the Dark Knight, after just two films of giving life to Bruce Wayne. And now he has explained the reason for his decision to leave.
In an interview during the Jimmy Kimmel show, Affleck commented on some of the reasons for leaving the Justice League, and it seems to have something to do with Batman’s solo movie. The film has gone through many drastic changes in its production, including the resignation of Affleck to be its director and scriptwriter, something that also coincided with a delicate personal situation for the actor. According to Affleck:
“I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter but just couldn’t come up with a version — I couldn’t crack it and so I thought it’s time for someone else to take a shot at it. They got some really good people so I’m excited.”
Matt Reeves, director of War of the Planet of the Apes, is commissioned to replace Affleck as director in the film, which is expected to debut in June 2021. Kimmel asked Affleck some final words about his departure, the actor replied: “I guess … I’m not Batman,” referring to the mythical phrase the superhero said in so many movies, including a great moment in the trilogy from Christopher Nolan.
The departure of Affleck from this Batman film is definitive, and their new approach will focus on a younger version of the character. Will we see Affleck again as Batman in the future, along with Jason Momoa’s Aquaman, Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman and Henry Cavill’s Superman (who also has rumors about his departure)? It is unlikely, which also makes us doubt that the sequel to Justice League will ever com to pass. [ Jimmy Kimmel Live! via Entertainment Weekly ]
