It’s not a joke, hell hasn’t frozen over, Adam West wasn’t contacted first and declined the offer. Ben Affleck (Argo) has been cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman in the upcoming Batman/Superman film.
The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros.Pictures. The studio has slated the film to open worldwide on July 17, 2015.
Silverman stated, “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack (Snyder) will bring new dimension to the duality of this character.”
Snyder also stated his excitement about the casting. “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but keep the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”
Finally, Sue Kroll added, “We’re so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He’s a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.”
This is certainly a shocker of a casting announcement. Initially, there’s going to be a load of backlash for this casting choice (comic fans won’t forget Affleck’s performance in Daredevil), however, that was 10 years ago. Affleck’s acting has improved (not much) and the “Daredevil” movie aspired to be something completely different than the DC films we have seen in the past decade (sans Green Lantern).
As of now, I view this the same way I did when Heath Ledger was casted as The Joker in The Dark Knight.
My first response is “What the hell?!?! Are you serious? There’s like 50 better actors out there than this guy!” However, when the product was finished and I saw the film, I understood why the filmmakers went this route.
I have faith in Snyder knowing how to get the best of the talent he has around him, and I have faith in Ben Affleck to give us a fantastic Batman/Bruce Wayne worthy enough to be in this epic film.
On the bright side, maybe this will mark the end of the annoying/little boy trying to talk like a grown man Batman voice that we’ve endured for three films.
Source: superherohype.com