After what seemed like an eternity of speculation, it was confirmed last month that Ben Affleck would no longer be playing Batman in the DC movies and that Matt Reeves’ new movie would be looking for another actor. Thus, the very short-lived era of The Batfleck is over, and Affleck himself seems at peace with the decision and recently opened up a bit about why it was best that he hangs up his cowl and let someone else become the hero of Gotham.
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Affleck was visiting Jimmy Kimmel on his show last night to promote his new Netflix movie, TRIPLE FRONTIER when he inevitably asked by the host about no longer playing Batman. Affleck didn’t hesitate to about the matter and seemed open and honest about that fact that while he tried to give making the upcoming solo movie (titled THE BATMAN), it didn’t quite come together, and instead the reins will be passed to someone else.
"I tried to direct a version of it and, worked with a really good screenwriter, but just couldn't come up with a version of — I couldn't crack it. So, I thought it was time to let someone else take a shot at. They've got some really good people."
While it’s sad to hear him talk about moving on from the role for anyone who is a fan of his time as the Dark Knight, Kimmel and Affleck took this time to have a little fun with his retirement from the role by literally retiring his cape and cowl in the rafters. Dressed as Robin (or “Robert,” depending on who you ask) Kimmel’s sidekick Guillermo brought out a very movie-quality cape and cowl to hang up in the rafters of the studio, and in order to do so has to bring down Matt Damon’s underwear from the movie BEHIND THE CANDELABRA.
The bittersweetest of moments came when Kimmel asked Affleck if he had any word to say, to which the Oscar-winner looked into the camera and said, “I’m not Batman.”
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Even before the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE in late 2017, there had been reports swirling that Affleck would be done playing Bats, with the actor himself seeming unsure about his future in the role. One moment he was done, next he was ready to suit up for THE BATMAN for at least one more go. Everything was officially confirmed when news broke that he was done with the role and the hunt would be on for a new actor to fill the suit. Affleck himself wished the best of luck to Reeves after the news broke with a tweet, expressing his excitement about seeing what he comes up with.
Again, it may be a bummer for those of us who liked what Affleck had going on as Batman, but at the very least he seems at peace with the matter and is up for joking around about the whole thing. He seems in good spirits and open about the situation, which is nice to see. I for one would've liked to have seen Affleck take on one more movie as Batman, especially in a solo movie, but hey, at least we can look back on the movies he was in and be proud he was one of the best elements of them.
TRIPLE FRONTIER is in select theaters March 6 and on Netflix March 13.