Ben Affleck to return as Batman in The Flash alongside Michael Keaton
Despite backlash from disappointed DC Comics fans the last time he played the superhero, Affleck is making a comeback in The Flash.
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Ben Affleck has not given up on his Batman journey just yet, despite the backlash his portrayal received in the 2016 film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Affleck will return for upcoming DC film The Flash as Bruce Wayne, starring alongside Michael Keaton who is also reprising his role as Batman, first seen in the 1989 Tim Burton film Batman, Vanity Fair reports.
The movie will follow The Flash, aka Barry Allen (portrayed by Ezra Miller) as the superhero crashes through different dimensions, where different Batmans can be found.
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Director Andy Muschietti confirmed to the publication that different versions of Batman will be seen in the film.
“His (Affleck’s) Batman has a dichotomy that is very strong, which is his masculinity — because of the way he looks, and the imposing figure that he has, and his jawline — but he’s also very vulnerable.
“He’s a very substantial part of the emotional impact of the movie. The interaction and relationship between Barry (Allen) and Affleck’s (Bruce) Wayne will bring an emotional level that we haven’t seen before.
“I’m glad to be collaborating with someone who has been on both sides of the camera, too … he understands.”
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Ben Affleck’s return does not change Robert Pattinson taking on the role as Batman in upcoming Matt Reeves films, however it does suggest Pattinson may make an appearance in The Flash.
Affleck’s original portrayal sparked heated debate between fans who disliked him in the role, and those who believed he was underrated and deserved more credit.
Earlier this year, Affleck told The New York Times that he lost the role due to personal and health reasons.
“I showed somebody the Batman script,” Affleck said at the time. “They said, ‘I think the script is good. I also think you’ll drink yourself to death if you go through what you just went through again’.”
He was also warned by fellow former Batman George Clooney not to accept the role.
Affleck stepped down from directing and star in a stand-alone film called The Batman, claiming demands of the film were taking too much of a personal toll. At the time, Ben and ex-wife Jennifer Garner ended their marriage.
Barbara Muschietti, producer of The Flash and sister of Andy Muschietti, said when they approached Affleck about the new film he was “very open to it, which was a bit of a surprise to us. It was a question mark”.
“We are all human and go through great times in our lives and terrible times in our lives,” she told Vanity Fair.
“Right now he’s in a place where he can actually enjoy being Batman. It’s a pivotal role, but at the same time it’s a fun part.”
Originally published as Ben Affleck to return as Batman in The Flash alongside Michael Keaton