The DC live-action universe has had a fascinating run theaters, full of peaks and valleys. While Warner Bros. is currently surfing the massive success of Aquaman, it's clear that the original plans for the DCEU are no longer coming to fruition. This includes Ben Affleck's role as Batman, as the Oscar winner has officially hung up the cape and cowl for good, following the disappointing performance of Justice League and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
This news was a major bummer for DC fans, who enjoyed the hulking and jaded energy that Ben Affleck brought to his version of Bruce Wayne. But once he dropped out as a director and then star of Matt Reeves' The Batman, thinks were looking bleak. Now Affleck has confirmed and explained his departure, saying:
I tried to direct a version of it and worked with a really good screenwriter but just couldn't come up with a version, couldn't crack it. And so I thought it was time to let someone else take a shot at it. They've got some really good people.
Turn off the Bat signal, because Ben Affleck's Bruce Wayne won't be answering the call anytime soon. He's officially left his superheroic role, making way for another director and actor to take the mantle and bring the Dark Knight to theaters with The Batman.
Ben Affleck's comments come from his recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and is the first time he's spoken about leaving his DC role at length. While it was rumored for a number of months before this confirmation, the news will no doubt be disappointing for DC fans who appreciated what he brought to the role. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice might have been critically panned, but Affleck's performance was largely considered the saving point of the movie. He also popped up briefly in Suicide Squad, before taking on a larger role in Zack Snyder and Joss Whedon's Justice League. But after all three of those movies were poorly reviewed, it seems that Affleck was ready to say goodbye to the bat.
Fans were eager to see what Ben Affleck would as the director of a Batman solo flick, considering his long tenure as a filmmaker. But it appears that he simply couldn't figure out the right story to bring to the silver screen, which is why he ultimately stepped down and made room for Matt Reeves. And while he was originally going to star in the developing project, it was recently revealed that Reeves is bringing another actor in to play a younger version of Bruce Wayne for the noir-inspired blockbuster.
While Batman fans may be walking around with Sad Affleck faces, hope isn't lost for the character in the DC Universe. Matt Reeves seems to be moving forward with the development of The Batman, and Gotham City's finest will be a major focus with projects like Birds of Prey and Joker. Now we'll just have to see who ends up replacing Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight.
The next installment in the DC Universe will be Shazam! on April 5, 2019. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
