Why Zack Snyder Cast Ben Affleck As Batman

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year. While DC and moviegoing fans alike are excited to see two of the most powerful superheroes duke it out on the big screen, there had been cause for alarm in the developmental stages. Specifically, fans were discouraged and worried when Ben Affleck was announced as the new Batman/ Bruce Wayne. Director Zack Snyder recently opened up about his decision to cast Battfleck:

Casting Ben felt like a no brainer to me. I know that there was some backlash, but he's just so perfect to me, especially in his size and age.

There you go, ladies and gents. Zack Snyder seemed to not even entertain the idea of another actor playing Bruce Wayne. In fact, it has become clear that Ben Affleck was the first actor approached to play Batman, with Christopher Nolan assisting Snyder in the casting process.

Zack Snyder mentioned specifically Ben Affleck's age being a factor that helped make him the perfect Bruce Wayne. Indeed, Affleck is 11 years Superman’s (Henry Cavill) senior. Since Snyder has highlighted this age difference a few times, it’s safe to assume that it will come into the conflict between Batman and Superman. After all, Batman has set Superman as his target due to his apparent irresponsibility with his powers. This battle of generations succeeds in making the two’s conflict more realistic. While Superheroes are an out of this world concept, conflict between generations is more universal. 

Battfleck was originally wary of signing onto a superhero movie. After the disaster that was 2003’s Daredevil, Affleck didn’t want to don another cowl. However, once he saw the material and spoke with Snyder about his vision, he was persuaded to join the fight against the Man of Steel. 

I was definitely skeptical about Ben Affleck playing the caped crusader. While I think he’s a fine actor, especially in the thriller Gone Girl, I doubted his ability to play Bruce Wayne. Most of my doubts were put to rest after the trailer for Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice was released. In the trailer, he plays a more hardened veteran of heroism, and one can see the darkness that Batman is supposed to live with. When Affleck looks up at Superman during the battle with General Zod, I found myself entranced with the fury in his eyes. This Batman isn’t messing around, and he’s ready to get even. 

Check out the trailer for Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice below. Battfleck will be punching his way into theaters on March 25th.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.