Every time you look on social media, you see an article about “Batman.” Months ago news came out that Robert Pattinson would take over the role, most previously played by Ben Affleck, in the upcoming feature film, “The Batman,-Vengence.” But that is just one of the many DC Universe projects that will include the iconic character. If you are like me you were extremely confused when you saw this recent article, “Ben Affleck signs Batman Contract for HBO Max.” Where does Ben Affleck fit in? There are a lot of rumors circulating, but here is what we know about the upcoming projects that include appearances of the caped crusader.
“The Batman”
“The Batman” (working title “Vengence”) is the long-awaited feature film written and directed by Matt Reeves. Robert Pattinson took the role after Ben Affleck decided not to reprise it. The casting of Pattinson was controversial at the time as many fans could not imagine the “Twilight” star in the role. Pattinson joins the ranks with the many A-list stars that have played Batman throughout the years including Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, and Christian Bale.
The project is moving forward now with much excitement. While little is known about the plot, we do know some of the characters that have been cast, including The Riddler, Catwoman, and Two-Face. Pattinson’s Batman will be younger, and the tone of the film is said to be less dark than some of the recent Batman films. Filming began in the UK right before the coronavirus caused the shutdown of the set. Reeves has spoken about how the pause gave him a break to reconsider “the tone of things.” They plan to resume filming in the UK in September. An October 2021 release is expected.
“The Flash”
“The Flash” has been in development for years and there were rumors the project was scrapped. Recent Instagram posts by one of the film’s Producers, Barbara Muschietti, indicated that the project was moving forward with an expected 2022 release. The plot centers around Barry Allen’s attempt to travel back in time to save his mother’s life. As a result of his manipulation of the time stream, Barry creates an alternate universe. The story will involve not just time travel but inter-dimensional travel as well. These plot points provide an opportunity for many DC characters to return at different ages, or with different roles. The possibilities are endless. Fans of Grant Gustin’s “The Flash” TV show are familiar with the plot opportunities for manipulating Superhero cannon. While we are not certain of Batman’s role in “The Flash” we do know that Michael Keaton was cast. Michael Keaton is thought by many to be the best “Batman.” Fans of the franchise were thrilled to learn he would be reprising the role. Given the fact that we could see more than one Batman, many are wondering if we might also see Ben Affleck make an appearance. More that one rumor has speculated that this will be the case.
Ezra Miller is still on board to play Barry Allen. This will not be the first time Miller portrayed the Flash in films. He had a cameo in the 2016 film “Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice.” He had a bigger role in the 2017 controversial film, “Justice League.” Most recently Miller played The Flash in a scene with Grant Gustin in the CW’s “Crisis of Infinite Earths.”
The Snyder Cut of “Justice League”
The theatrical “Justice League,” released in 2017 was not well-received by fans. The development of the film was plagued with script issues and suffered a major loss when Zack Snyder had to step down following the death of his daughter. Joss Whedon stepped in and the Snyder vision for the film was lost. Fans of DC Comics films have long wanted a Zack Snyder cut of the film. Earlier this year it was announced that a Snyder Cut would be released on HBO Max. The Snyder Cut re-shot scenes and re-edited many aspects of the original 2017 film. Snyder promises it will be a completely different film, with new scenes, scenes that never made the Whedon Cut, and edits that change the feel of the movie. Most of the original cast made themselves available to film these new scenes, and It appears Ben Affleck may have returned for re-shoots. We will not know for sure until the Snyder Cut is released next year.
Ben Affleck left the “Batman” franchise after the 2017 film, “Justice League,” citing creative differences and personal problems related to his relapse with alcohol addiction. Affleck reportedly had issues with Whedon as well. His allegiance was to Snyder, and Snyder’s vision for the films. Affleck lost his influence on the script and lacked interest in coming back under Whedon’s direction. Affleck’s “Batman” is considered by many to have been under-rated, and with all of the “Batman” projects announced, fans took to Twitter last month and lobbied for an Affleck return. “#Batfleck” trended as people posted fan-made posters, favorite scenes from Affleck’s 2016 film, “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice,” and general pleas with HBO Max for his return in additional projects. Last week, fans tweeted again making the “#thanksBatfleck” trend as they thanked him for his portrayal of the beloved superhero.
Meanwhile, rumors started surfacing that Affleck signed a contract with HBO Max for an additional Batman project. Allegedly, A T&T wants Affleck to return in a Batman film or series to make his version of the Batman story, which included Joe Manganiello as Deathstroke. Presumably, A T &T has a significant influence on Warner Brothers. Furthermore, as it is likely that the Snyder Cut will be successful, HBO Max would certainly look to offer more DC Universe content. The rumor came from a source that gave us accurate news about the “Justice League Dark: Apokolips War” film, as well as the “Arrow” spin-off. An announcement is said to be imminent by the end of the year. The rumors were ridiculed as people pointed to the HBO Max claims that Ben was not returning as Batman. Given the fact that the people involved in the 2018 “Justice League,” that had challenged his and Snyder’s vision and script ideas, are no longer attached to the upcoming projects, this would be an ideal time for an Affleck return. If Affleck could have his script and vision of Batman, and obtain the creative control he lacked before, it is not hard to imagine him having some interest in putting on the cape again. Affleck was recently reported to have started working out. Could he be training for a “Batman” return? Hopefully, Affleck fans will get good news before the end of the year.
There is one upcoming Batman-related project that will not involve casting anyone as the superhero. HBO Max announced a commitment to a Batman spin-off series about Gotham. The series will focus on Matt Reeves’ version of Gotham, examining the anatomy of corruption in the city. The concept is similar to that of the canceled Fox TV show “Gotham.”
Great Scott! That is a lot of “Batman!” DC Universe fans have a lot to look forward to, and if the “Batfleck” rumors prove to be true, we may be seeing a lot of Ben Affleck on HBO Max.
Written by Michelle Haab
