'The Batman' Release Date, News: Ben Affleck Reportedly Wants to Quit Portraying Batman
When Ben Affleck stepped down from the director's chair, Warner Bros. acted swiftly and tapped Matt Reeves to replace him as the director of "The Batman." Well, it sounds like they may have another crisis on their hands, and if it's true, this one will have an effect on the entire DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
In a recent episode of "Collider Movie Talk," host John Campea revealed that three separate sources connected with Warner Bros. have told him that Affleck no longer wants to portray Batman in the DCEU.
"They're telling me that, Ben Affleck, make no mistake, he does want out. He doesn't want to be Batman anymore. I have been told that Affleck is talking with Warner Bros. in an attempt to get out of being Batman. If they do not let him out of being Batman, that the stand alone Batman film that ultimately happens, will be the last time we see Affleck as Batman, because he apparently wants out," he said, according to MovieWeb.
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How disastrous would that be? If Affleck leaves they will have to recast Batman. But it will not be easy since he is the DCEU's most popular character. Of course, Campea did give a disclaimer before he talked about the rumor by saying that people should "take this with a massive, massive grain of salt." Right now, this is just a rumor until it is proven otherwise.
A number of journalists have noted that the rumor seems plausible since several DCEU films have also experienced trouble behind the scenes. "The Flash" has already lost two directors in Seth Grahame-Smith and Rick Famuyiwa. Michelle MacLaren also dropped out of "Wonder Woman" because of creative differences before Warner Bros. hired Patty Jenkins to direct the film.
As of the moment, Warner Bros. and Affleck have yet to address the rumors. Affleck will appear as Batman in "Justice League" later this year.
