Yesterday, the axe finally fell on Ben Affleck’s term as Batman. We’ve been discussing whether or not he’d return to the cape and cowl for more than a year now, with the actor’s spell in an addiction treatment centre and Warner Bros.’ apparent preference for a younger take on the character in Matt Reeves’ The Batman not exactly boding well.
Still, for fans of Affleck, there was always hope, especially when he was spotted looking back in shape and seen chatting to Warner Bros. executives. But, with a tweet last night explaining that he’s looking forward to Matt Reeves’ upcoming film, it became the final confirmation that he’s moving on from Gotham City.
It’s safe to say his tenure as Batman attracted as much criticism as it did praise. I think Ben Affleck could have been an all-time great in the part, but sadly, he was saddled with a pair of movies (and a brief cameo in Suicide Squad) that didn’t allow him to shine. Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice had its moments (particularly that warehouse fight), but half the film being focused on Superman meant that we never really got to know this iteration of Bats. And Justice League? Well, let’s not get into that.
Anyways, to mark his departure, fans online have been busy posting tributes to Affleck, and here’s a selection of some of the best:
https://twitter.com/OfTheCrazed/status/1090779564584792066
Thank you @BenAffleck for being Batman, It was a ride. This is the scene thats still in my top 5 comic book scenes of all time. Also, @ZackSnyder is a legend for casting you while the internet hated it. You proved them wrong and you have that title. Thank you and best of luck. 🦇 pic.twitter.com/n5etJsDhdT
— JaeYeu 👽🛹 (@JaeYeuu) January 31, 2019
@BenAffleck was the best batman ever.and also he always legendry icon in batman history. this man make me a die hard dc fan.i never forget warehouse scene and injustice nightmare scene in bvs. And also never forget his voice .
" Tell me do you bleed"
Thank you sir for all❤️ pic.twitter.com/sGyIwDYI3b
— sithija Tishan (@sithija_tishan) January 31, 2019
Thank you @BenAffleck for bringing Bruce Wayne/Batman to life. Wishing you all the best. pic.twitter.com/PT8kse9mgX
— Rhea (@4eyedRaven) January 31, 2019
Lol Ben Affleck gave us the GOAT portrayal of Batman and he won’t even get to do the solo. No justice in that. Thank you, Ben for bringing MY BATMAN to life. Smh.
— Majin Mahito (@GodDoomDG) January 31, 2019
https://twitter.com/Dpaddy12/status/1090831991610720258
Mr. Affleck, thank you so much for your amazing portrayal of Batman. You gave me everything I wanted in a live action Batman. Batfleck will be sorely missed by us all (excluding the haters) and I’m certain he will forever be my favorite. @BenAffleck #BatfleckForever https://t.co/IJGeo7tSNr
— Mickey (@MagicHandsMMA) January 31, 2019
So, what’s next for Batman? Well, I think it’s a pretty safe bet that Warner Bros. and DC will follow through with their plans to make Reeves’ film about the hero in the early years of his career. After all, the DCEU’s Dark Knight has clearly had a busy life by the time we meet him in Batman V Superman and there’s a lot to flesh about him. Plus, it allows them to maintain a basic DCEU continuity without retconning what’s come before.
What I’d like though is if Warner Bros. decided that the route they’ve taken with Todd Phillips’ Joker should be used for Batman. Let’s see some talented directors given a chance to put their mark on the hero in films unburdened by continuity and cinematic universes.