The web is ablaze with nerdy discontent. Today, Warner Bros. announced Ben Affleck would assume the role of Batman for the upcoming Man of Steel sequel. While rummaging through the countless responses, I stumbled across dozens of criticisms that reference Affleck’s original comic book fallout, Daredevil: a film produced a decade ago when Affleck’s street cred was nill — where he chased B-movie follies like Gigli, Jersey Girl and Surviving Christmas. Affleck was a laughing stock and the idea of him donning spandex and cool gadgets was never reconsidered.
But Affleck has resurrected his career by working behind-the-scenes and clamoring for more challenging roles. He lit up the screen in the otherwise underwhelming Hollywoodland, where he portrayed George Reeves, the TV actor most noted for portraying Superman and, ultimately, passing away under cryptic circumstances. Immediately following his impressive acting turn, Affleck took to the director’s chair, where he continues to grow with each pass.
His performances (despite Hollywoodland) were never deep or awe-inspiring. But Affleck has developed into a competent leading man; the kind who used to send shivers down the spines of the female demographics and earn respective nods from their respective male dates. In other words, he’s a perfect foil for Henry Cavil!
I’m not upset by WB’s decision. Obviously, there would have been better choices. But Affleck’s not the worst they could have made. (Ryan Gosling is a better actor, but he AINT BRUCE WAYNE!)
The idea of casting a respected thespian to play against Cavill’s Superman could have been a greater mistake. I have only seen Cavill in one film, but I can tell that his magnetism and charisma are based more on his looks and confidence rather than his acting chops. A brilliant performer would counter Cavill’s Superman in ways even more devastating than Kryptonite.
This announcement is not devastating because the idea of a Batman Vs Superman film helmed by Zack Snyder has already been a turn-off long before discussions circulated regarding the film’s cast. Affleck once rejected an offer to helm Justice League, so it is somewhat surprising that he would take an acting gig rather than utilize his much stronger directing prowess. In a perfect world, Affleck would assume both duties and allow Snyder to recoil back to his low-grade fodder.
I’m guessing Affleck’s decision was a concession (and sure-fire method of securing his great-grandchildren’s future). It’ll give him power to produce other projects for WB, which remains a studio that hosts and nurtures talents, such as its multi-decade collaboration with Clint Eastwood. Those two forces have produced dozens of films: some of which were the studio’s choices; others in which were Clint’s passion projects (“money-losers”). Yet, they’ve established a healthy rapport that’s lead to a wonderful stable of work. I suspect Affleck has earned a free ticket to greenlight 2-3 “passion” projects for putting on that cowl.
Affleck was probably nobody’s first choice for Batman. He certainly wasn’t mine! But, I’m in the state of displeasure to look beyond Snyder’s bastardization of comic-book lore if it provides Affleck reign over more smaller, personal and otherwise more interesting work.
Affleck has re-earned his street cred, just as Affleck B.F.F. Matt Damon legitimized his masculinity with his Jason Bourne films. There were naysayers with Damon’s casting just as there with Daniel Craig’s announcement for Bond. And speaking of Batman, anyone remember the backlash against Michael Keaton back in 1988? “Beetlejuice!?”
I suspect Affleck’s failure as Batman would have more to do with the incompetence of the writer and director. Affleck wasn’t the worst thing about Daredevil. He certainly won’t be the worst thing about Batman. The countless scathing criticisms all trace back to a dire time when Affleck was Hollywood’s bastard child pretty boy. This recent Affleck is different. With so much bad news circulating the entertainment circuit, hiring a multi-Oscar winner for Batman vs. Superman is not the news the world deserves, but the news it needs right now! Although I’m a die-hard Superman fan, I’m pulling for Affleck’s Bats!
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