There are few characters on the planet as iconic as Batman. So on some level, even if you think Ben Affleck is totally wrong for the role, you can't really blame him for signing on to play him in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman. Of course between Michael Keaton and Christian Bale's takes on the Dark Knight, there is a high bar to meet. But if you don't meet it, you're still in pretty good company, meaning George Clooney. Still, Affleck has confessed he was initially reluctant to take on the role of the caped crusader in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel Batman vs. Superman.
Talking with 411's Al Norton, Affleck spoke about the project that’s already got fanboys and fangirls foaming at the mouth.
Ben Affleck: Initially I was reluctant as I felt I didn't fit the traditional mold but once Zack showed me the concept, and that it would be both different from the great movies that Chris and Christian made but still in keeping with tradition I was excited. Doing something different and new is always tricky and part of the thrill and the risk is that initially it confounds expectations. The truth is, it's the movie and the execution of it is what all the actors depend on and I believe in Zack's vision.Al Norton: Warner Brothers CEO Kevin Tsujihara recently said that this version of Batman would be "tired and weary and seasoned and been doing it for awhile"...Is that how you envisioned him as well and what would you add to the description on the Bruce Wayne side of things?Ben Affleck: Yes, Kevin described it aptly. I don't want to go further because I want to be able to capitalize on what is new about this iteration by having it be a surprise to the audience."
So basically, Affleck didn't think he was right for the part at first either. This admittance might be some solace to those who feel Affleck is wrong for the part. But according to him, it's not whether Affleck meets our current conception of Batman, it's about whether he meets director Zack Snyder's version of Batman. As mentioned by Norton above, this incarnation of the Dark Knight is one who is a beleaguered and likely cynical after years of waging a never-ending war against crime. He's may not be the hero we deserve, but he's the one who will need to make an interesting foil for to Henry Cavill's Superman.
As hungry as we all are for more details on what Affleck and Snyder have in mind for their take on Batman, it's unlikely we'll get any big clues for a while. Really, all this speculation and intrigue has been serving the project well, gaining headlines for even small reveals like Affleck's initial reluctance. While some shooting on Batman vs. Superman had begun, we still have a ways to wait until it opens on July 17th, 2015. So expect plenty of ambiguous reveals and subterfuge until then.
