Can Ben Affleck Return as Batman?

There was a time above… a time before. There were perfect things… diamond absolutes. How things fall, things on Earth. And what falls… is fallen.

–BruceWayne/Batman 

Wednesday 30th January turned out to be an exciting day for DC Comics fans as Warner Bros officially announced the release date for ‘Suicide Squad 2’ — a long awaited and most anticipated Batman film — which is directed by Matt Reeves.

As a huge Batman fan, for me, this day was both joyous and somber at the same time. Along with the Batman movie announcement I was desperately waiting for, comes the confirmation that the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman will no longer be played by Ben Affleck and Matt Reeves would be looking for a younger for his upcoming film ‘The Batman’. 

 

Even Affleck himself confirmed the news by retweeting the article with a message that felt like him willingly to pass the torch.

But having said that, Affleck still might return as the caped crusader in future DCEU (The DC Extended Universe)projects. Now you might be wondering how is this even possible.

Matt Reeves has confirmed that his batman movie is set in the past and will have a younger actor as the protector of Gotham.

Just because Affleck is not going to be in Matt Reeves prequel doesn’t mean that he is never going to play the Batman character again or not cameo in any of the other present-day movies.

Both a young and an old actor can play Batman simultaneously just like when Marlon Brando and Robert Di Nero played the iconic character of Vito Corleone in the cult classic ‘The Godfather’.

Just to back up my opinion let me make it clear that Affleck still has two more movies on his contract with the studio.

Even in his tweet Affleck never denied nor confirmed that he won’t be playing the character in future.
Currently there only few opportunities for Affleck to play Batman, one of them is Harley Quinn’s ‘Birds of Prey’ which is basically a Batman Spin-off movie featuring various characters from Batman mythos.

Another movie where Affleck’s Batman can appear is ‘Suicide Squad 2’ which is now being written and directed by James Gunn — former Director of Marvel’s Guardian of the galaxy.

Originally Affleck was meant to have a cameo in the Flash movie because Batman is a big part of that storyline.

Unfortunately the movie got delayed and this is something which never materialized.

Right now we have three movies in development,where Affleck could still play a major role.

A future project which fan would love to watch is a live-action Batman Beyond film. Even though most batman fans would say Michael Keaton is perfect as an older Bruce Wayne, but in my opinion Affleck playing an older and seasoned Batman makes more sense.

Then there is also that inevitable Justice League sequel which will eventually be made at some point.

That movie can also can serve as Affleck’s final outing as Batman in DCEU.

What I personally want Warner Bros to do (Which is kind of impossible)is to produce a movie based on Batman/Superman: Public Enemy.

The story focuses on the camaraderie, antagonism, and friendship between these two heroes. This movie can be a perfect sequel for BvS and also can serve as a farewell for both Affleck and Henry Cavil.

As a fan I really wish that the “Age of Batfleck” ends with a proper sendoff movie because I would love to see Affleck donning the cape and cowl once again in the future.