Ben Affleck: 'Oh S***, We Have a Problem' - The Moment He Knew He Was Done as Batman

In a candid interview with GQ, Ben Affleck, known for his role as Batman in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, shared his challenging experience portraying the iconic superhero for DC. Reflecting on nearly a decade of involvement with the character, Affleck described his tenure as a leading figure in the Snyder-verse as "excruciating." He attributed this to a complex interplay of factors, not solely tied to the demands of superhero cinema, but rather a broader misalignment in agendas, understandings, and expectations within the DC universe.

Affleck acknowledged his own role in the less-than-ideal experience, admitting that he brought a sense of unhappiness to the set, which impacted his performance and overall energy. "I wasn’t bringing anything particularly wonderful to that equation at the time, either," he confessed, indicating that his personal struggles contributed to the challenging environment.

His journey with DC began with co-starring alongside Henry Cavill in Zack Snyder's Batman v. Superman, followed by various appearances in team-up films such as Justice League and The Flash, and a cameo in Suicide Squad. Despite initial plans, Affleck's standalone Batman project was ultimately canceled, leaving fans to wonder about potential storylines involving Arkham Asylum and Joe Manganiello's Deathstroke.

Affleck's decision to step away from the role was influenced by both professional and personal factors. He credited longtime collaborator Matt Damon for helping him move on, but also highlighted a poignant moment with his son, who found Batman v. Superman too intense. This feedback underscored a disconnect with younger audiences, which Affleck felt was exacerbated by conflicting visions between filmmakers and the studio.

As DC navigates its future, the studio is branching into more distinct narrative paths, with darker stories continuing in The Batman 2 in 2027, and lighter, more family-friendly content launching with James Gunn's DCU starting with Superman this July. Affleck, however, has firmly closed the door on returning to direct within Gunn's new universe, signaling the end of his direct involvement with DC.

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