Ben Affleck has confirmed that he would not be hanging the cape, as the actor dispels rumors that he will not be reprising his role as Batman in the upcoming standalone movie for the superhero.
A crime-fighting caped Affleck is still going strong, as suggested by the actor when he enthused, "Playing Batman was a boyhood dream come true for me, so playing Batman alongside the Justice League? I mean, what can you say?." The actor then reassured fans that he will still be coming back as both Bruce Wayne and Batman in the upcoming "Batman" solo movie.
Rumors began after the Affleck dropped out of directing the upcoming standalone "Batman" movie and relinquishing the helm to Matt Reeves, popularly known for directing the last two "Planet of the Apes" movies, which were well-received. Affleck's script was also dropped after Reeves entered the scene, with Ben's brother, Casey, even weighing in on the speculations that his Ben will not be coming back as either Wayne or Batman.
Still, Affleck has expressed that him dropping out of the direction and having his script replaced was all in good faith, even saying back in July that "everyone at the studio tells me I'm their Batman and I believe it. And Matt Reeves? I'd be an ape on the ground for Matt Reeves. I'm blown away, and it's an exciting time in the DC Universe. I'm excited to be Batman."
It is worth noting that Affleck's Batman was well-received by both fans and critics alike. Despite his version's darker tone, that did not stop him from gaining the top spot from a few all-time Batman lists. Affleck's next appearance as Batman will be alongside other superheroes of the DC universe in the upcoming "Justice League" movie. The new film will reportedly be lighter than the somber "Batman V Superman," exciting the fans of the caped hero.
Affleck understands the criticism towards the unusually dark tones of his last Batman appearance, since "Batman V Superman" may have gone too far from the comfort zone Batman fans have known.
Affleck assured fans that he is not going anywhere as Batman, not in the foreseeable future anyway. His next appearance as Batman in "Justice League" will be on Nov. 17, while his standalone "The Batman" movie does not have any announced dates yet but is rumored to have a new script.
