How The DCEU’s Cancelled Batman Movie Led to My All-Time Favorite Batman Film

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I’m still torn about the scrapped Batman movie from the DCEU – I can’t help but wonder what it could have been, yet its absence led to my all-time preferred Batman film. The DCEU has had quite a rocky ride over the past decade. Amongst the ups and downs of their ambitious endeavor, there’s one missed opportunity that continues to linger in my mind as a bittersweet experience – the Batman movie Ben Affleck was slated to write, direct, and act in. Its cancellation left an empty space – but it also opened up room for something even better, which turned out to be my all-time favorite.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the gripping introduction of Ben Affleck as Batman in 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”. His portrayal offered a grittier, more seasoned interpretation of the iconic character that left an indelible mark, even amidst the film’s polarizing critical response. With the DC extended universe growing rapidly, Warner Bros. swiftly capitalized on the momentum by confirming Affleck would not only star as Batman but also direct and co-write the script for his own solo movie alongside veteran DC writer Geoff Johns.

A Batman Movie Starring Ben Affleck Could Have Been Something Truly Special

Affleck Would Have Written, Directed, And Starred In The DCEU’s Batman Movie

It was whispered that Ben Affleck’s Batman film would primarily focus on Arkham Asylum and a psychological journey into insanity, with Joe Manganiello portraying Deathstroke as the main antagonist. For some, like myself, this proposed narrative sounded like one of the most thrilling Batman ideas in a long time.

Unfortunately, it never came to fruition. Affleck initially took on directing, writing, and acting roles for the project, but due to creative disagreements, personal issues, and the broader collapse of the Snyderverse, he eventually parted ways with the entire production. Consequently, the long-planned solo Batman film was cancelled before any footage was filmed in the DCEU.

There’s a great deal of speculation about Ben Affleck’s Batman movie due to his portrayal in “Batman v Superman” and “Zack Snyder’s Justice League.” His character, Bruce Wayne, showed signs of being a complex, emotionally damaged individual who had endured loss, sorrow, and years of crime-fighting. Affleck’s older, battle-hardened Batman was the most impressive physically on screen, and his portrayal opened up new storytelling opportunities that no previous Batman film had touched upon.

The idea of Batman being imprisoned in Arkham, facing off against criminals he’d apprehended throughout his long career, alongside Deathstroke as a formidable and personal adversary, sets the stage for an intense, personal, action-packed drama. The style is expected to be more realistic than the Justice League but more dynamic and true to the comic books compared to Christopher Nolan’s realistic approach.

Ben Affleck’s Batman Movie Paving The Way To The Batman Is A Complicated Matter

The Batman Became Matt Reeves’ Vision Instead

It’s both perplexing and intriguing how the fall of Ben Affleck’s Batman paved the way for an entirely new perspective. With Affleck stepping down, director Matt Reeves was appointed and given the opportunity to start fresh with the project. Instead of carrying on within the DC Extended Universe, Reeves proposed a standalone detective noir featuring a younger Bruce Wayne, one not tied to the growing complex continuity.

The outcome was the 2022 film “The Batman,” featuring Robert Pattinson portraying a brooding, second-year incarnation of the Dark Knight. Despite my initial disappointment over Ben Affleck’s film, I found myself utterly captivated by Matt Reeves’ “The Batman.” It swiftly rose to become my all-time favorite Batman movie, delivering elements I never realized I was craving.

In a fresh rephrasing, let me put it this way: The movie had a steady, captivating tone, and its plot revolving around mystery was as authentic as a real-life detective story. Robert Pattinson’s Batman portrayal resonated more with the tormented crusader from the comics than any previous incarnation. Every aspect, from cinematography to sound design and the minimalist gadgets, came together flawlessly. The Gotham in Reeves’ film is the most evocative yet, while Michael Giacchino’s music continues to resonate within my thoughts.

I’m So Glad The Batman Was Made, But Still Sad We Never Got A Solo Batman Movie When The DCEU Needed It

Ben Affleck’s Batman Could Have Saved The DCEU

In a twist of feelings, that’s where the emotional rollercoaster lies. I’m utterly smitten by “The Batman” and wouldn’t give it up for anything, not even the film it took over. What hurts the most is realizing that audiences could have enjoyed both. Affleck’s movie didn’t have to clash with Reeves’ production; it could have coexisted, just like how James Gunn’s DCU now shares the universe with the Batman franchise.

In the midst of the DCEU’s struggle due to inconsistent style and purpose, a standalone Batman film could have reestablished the universe’s foundation and encouraged viewers to connect with the main characters. Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman still had some lingering issues – emotional connections with Alfred, queries about his legacy, and the Robin storyline – and it required resolution. What makes this situation even more disappointing is that Affleck’s Batman was only featured in group performances; a solo movie might have provided the DCEU with the lift it needed.

Rather than developing into a significant character arc, the potential one for Batman was quietly shelved during the DCEU’s decline. By the time the DCEU came to an end entirely, the opportunity for a memorable Batman moment within that universe had already elapsed. Although The Batman turned out to be successful, it emerged as part of a different timeline that didn’t benefit the franchise that initially showcased Affleck’s Batman in any way. Consequently, while I’m pleased we received The Batman, I’ll always ponder what might have been if Affleck had been given the opportunity to conclude his Batman storyline.

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2025-04-30 02:30