Ben Affleck as Batman: Matt Damon Defends Longtime Friend From Critics
Ben Affleck received mixed reactions after he was unveiled as the new Batman last week, but his good friend Matt Damon is springing to defend the actor.
Affleck, 41, recently landed the coveted role as Batman in the upcoming sequel to "Man of Steel," invoking an array of powerful reactions; both good and bad.
Much like Batman's partner Robin in the comic books, Damon is combating the naysayers, saying that his childhood friend and fellow Boston native would be "great" as Batman.
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"I think it will be great," said the "Elysium" star speaking to the Times of India. "It will be terrific. I know there are a lot of people grousing on the Internet. I just think it's kind of funny."
Damon, who co-starred with Affleck in 1997's "Good Will Hunting," went on to defend his friend's acting chops, citing Affleck's previous films.
"You know, he's not playing King Lear. It's Batman! [That's] certainly within his skill set," Damon continued. "If anybody saw 'Argo' or 'The Town' and all the work he's been doing lately, it's way more nuanced and interesting and way more difficult than Batman! Batman just sits there with his cowl over his head and whispers in a kinda gruff voice at people. Bruce Wayne is the more challenging part of the role, and Ben will be great at that."
In congruence with Damon, the director of the upcoming Batman film Zach Snyder also expressed utmost confidence in Affleck.
"[Affleck] has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne," said Snyder, according to CBS News. "I can't wait to work with him."
Meanwhile, the new incarnation will bring Batman and Superman together - with "Man of Steel" star Henry Cavill reprising his role.
The new film will also star Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fistburne as Perry White, and Diane Lane as Martha Kent.
