Here’s What We Know About Ben Affleck As Batman

Ben Affleck Photo via Featureflash / Shutterstock.com. Batman Image via Andy Lidstone / Shutterstock.com

Now that we’re (hopefully) over Warner Bros.’ unforeseen casting choice of Ben Affleck as the next Batman, we’ve got some scoop on what this Batfleck character is going to be like. While some are speculative (and flawed) rumors circling the Internet, the expected Superman vs. Batman sequel to 2013’s Man of Steel still boasts much to look forward to.

Firstly, Affleck told Playboy in a Q&A back in January that his Batman won’t be as fresh-faced as Bale’s portrayal of the character. He said, “…the idea for the new Batman is to redefine him in a way that doesn’t compete with the Bale and Chris Nolan Batman but still exists within the Batman canon. It will be an older and wiser version, particularly as he relates to Henry Cavill’s Superman character.”

While that sounds interesting, an insider at Moviepilot.com also had some unvalidated details to give in terms of age. According to the source, Bruce Wayne is going to be 40 years old and retired from being Batman. But based on hardcore Batman enthusiasts who analyzed scripts from The Dark Knight trilogy, Bale’s Bruce Wayne is 28-29 years old during Batman Begins and is about 38-39 during the events in The Dark Knight Rises. The age transition of Bruce Wayne from TDKR to the Man of Steel sequel is obviously not much at all.

That said, the film is said to interweave a lot of Christopher Nolan’s universe from the Dark Knight trilogy. The Man of Steel sequel is supposed to be a continuation of both Superman and Batman’s stories, as Affleck said. Affleck’s Batman retires to rebuild Gotham as Bruce Wayne, and Robin takes over as Nightwing.  This transition is rumored to take place seven years after The Dark Knight Rises, but this, of course, does not add up according to the scripts. Timeline succession is an obvious inconsistency here.

At the same time, many parts of Nolan’s Dark Knight will be eliminated. Miranda Tate/Talia’s (Marion Cotillard) involvement is not expected roll over, according to rumors, nor will Bane’s (Tom Hardy) alleged death. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s role as Robin will also not be reprised, as told by the actor when he appeared on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show last year. We do know that supervillian Lex Luthor will have a major role in this film. As of January, Luthor will be played by Jesse Eisenberg.

Moviepilot.com also claims that Bruce Wayne will re-emerge in the new movie as one of the most influential people on the planet for his efforts to rebuild Gotham. This also comes with the rise of Wayne Enterprises. By day, Gotham City is led by Wayne Enterprises, and by night, the Bat-family (Batgirl, Nightwing, etc.).

The suggested plot line: Batman and Superman cross paths in business and not just as superheroes. Bruce Wayne wants to be involved with the reconstruction of Metropolis (Superman’s fictional city), and Wayne Enterprises and LexCorp are forced to work together. He’s not thrilled about this work, but he does this to benefit of the greater good, staying true to Batman’s virtue.

In this scenario, Gotham will always be the city of Batman and the bat symbol is now an emblem of “justice, defiance, and courage.” People from around the world believe Batman is still holding Gotham together and saving lives by night. And he may very well be out there leading his BatArmy, despite being publicly retired. This detail seems like just another attempt at Batman hiding his presence while trying to save the world.

Alas, the flaws in this supposed Batfleck sequence are apparent. One of the main issues is that Warner Bros. wants to transition from Nolan’s Batman canon while simultaneously maintaining that certain critical events are left out of the timeline (e.g. Bane’s death). This won’t please audiences, and also seems quite confusing. Is Batfleck supposed to be understood as Bale’s Bruce Wayne, just seven years senior?

We know that this movie is a sequel to Man of Steel, but is it another addition to the Batman series or not? Let’s not teeter-totter, Warner Bros. Your audience wants answers.