Rumors that Ben Affleck was going to step down as Batman have been circulating since November of last year, and "Southpaw" actor Jake Gyllenhaal is in the lead to take the actor's place.
While nothing has been official so far, fans are assuming that Affleck wants to let go of the role due to the constant criticism surrounding the films DC Extended Universe where his character made an appearance, particularly in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" and "Justice League," which has received a lot of negative reviews.
While the world awaits the actor's decision regarding whether he will hang on to the role or let someone else take over, Director Matt Reeves, who has been tasked to revive the franchise, announced that he is planning to build the movie from scratch, as he admitted to outlining the movie and already has much of the story worked out, as he revealed during a recent podcast.
Rumors that Gyllenhaal would be the next to wear the cape and cowl surfaced when the director allegedly went to meetings with certain actors with the possibility of discussing the role. Another name who is believed to be considered for the role is "The Walking Dead's" Jon Hamm, who is reportedly very interested in playing the Dark Knight.
A former member of the DCEU, however, sees a different actor portraying the hero.
Gary Oldman, who is remembered by fans as Commissioner Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" franchise says that he wants to see American actor Joaquin Phoenix take the role of Batman if ever Affleck decides to call it quits.
In a recent report by entertainment website Screen Rant, Oldman said "I would like to see someone like Joaquin Phoenix play it. This is no disrespect to Ben Affleck. I think it really depends on who is at the wheel that lifts it."
Regardless of who Warner Brother's chooses for the role, it should be noted that Affleck still has one more film left in his contract so the actor might still appear as Batman one more time, most preferably in the upcoming "Flash Point" movie, which would give WB perfect timing and reason to do a recast.
