Sometimes, even the internet can surprise you, and that's just what happened with the announcement that Ben Affleck, former Daredevil, almost-Superman (see: Hollywoodland), current Oscar winner and critical darling, would be donning the cape and cowl to take on the Man of Steel in the upcoming Batman vs. Superman movie. While the phrase "broke the internet in half" should probably be put out to pasture, this is still one of those moves that is absolutely certain to be divisive among hardcore fans. This news even hit Den of Geek HQ just as hard as anywhere else, so we had to take a moment to collect our thoughts. Unfortunately, you have to read them.
Mike Cecchini: I almost can't believe I'm saying this, but this makes perfect sense. Considering that Batman vs. Superman (certainly, they're going to find us a better title than this between now and 2015) will have big time competition from The Avengers: Age of Ultron and a new Star Wars movie, Warner Bros. needs all the box-office firepower they can muster, and Affleck's name carries more Oscar wins and nominations than ANY of Marvel's big screen superheroes. This is a guy who has come a long way over the last decade, and he certainly understands the stakes (and the paycheck) involved, especially considering what happened the last time he played a superhero. Say what you will about Daredevil, but Affleck's rather sincere performance as Matt Murdock was the absolute least of that film's problems. And really, playing Bruce Wayne isn't exactly King Lear.
Robert Bernstein: Affleck as Batman is definitely an interesting choice, I'll give Warner Bros. that. I can see it going either way, really. Look at how everyone reacted when Heath Ledger was announced as the Joker; there was outrage and complete skepticism, and look how that turned out. I'm not going to write him off so quickly, as he definitely has the acting chops. On the one hand, he has a few gems like Argo, The Town, and Smokin' Aces (loved it), and big box office success capability with Pearl Harbor. But on the other hand, yes--he was in Gigli (let it go, people!). More significantly, though, he ruined Daredevil for a lot of die hard comic book fans. Let's hope he doesn't ruin Batman.
David Crow: I can safely say that nobody really saw this coming. Sure six months ago, after the success of Argo, everyone and their mother (especially the mothers) wanted to see Ben Affleck DIRECT a Justice League/World's Finest/The Wonder Twins and Robin flick...but to STAR in one? As The Batman, no less? It certainly is a unique choice. Understandably, Ben Affleck is the new Hollywood underdog story. Just as Robert Downey Jr. astoundingly rebuilt his image with Iron Man and Tropic Thunder in 2008, Affleck has been on the long road with Gone Baby Gone, The Town and finally Argo; the last one even nabbed Affleck and, more importantly, WB an Oscar for Best Picture.
Indeed, WB's brand as of late seems to be built around three filmmakers: Christopher Nolan, Zack Snyder, and Ben Affleck. So why is it surprising that they turned to the last untapped one for a new DC film? Still, as intriguing as the decision is from a business and franchise-building standpoint, I can honestly say that it leaves me a little artistically cold. I have seen Ben Affleck give strong performances: Good Will Hunting; Shakespeare in Love; Boiler Room; Dogma; Hollywoodland. But what do they all have in common? He's in a supporting role. So unless they want Affleck to play complete second fiddle to Henry Cavill (doubtful), I wll approach this with a healthy does of caution. Yet, there has to be some optimism in that this makes the second Batman in a row to win an Oscar! Mind you Christian Bale won for acting, as opposed to writing....
Marc Buxton: Affleck can put together a nuanced performance as proven by Hollywoodland (you know, the movie where he kinda played Superman), and he ruled in The Town and Argo,proving that he not only was an amazing director, but he is more than just the scene chewing pretty boy many claim he is. That being said, I would have much rather them go the Henry Cavill route and cast an almost unknown. Unfortunately, anything but a perfect script and directorial job by Zack Snyder will make this Batman just Ben Affleck dressed in a Bat suit. While Affleck certainly has the chops to kick ass as Bruce Wayne, he might be too big a star to hide in the shadows.
Well those are our initial reactions. What of your own? Can you hardly wait to see how Affleck measures up to the storied tradition of this iconic role or do you feel like Jason Lee, in a 1990s mall, having just spotted that guy from Fashionable Male with the love of your life? Leave a comment and let us know.
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THIS IS RIDICULOUS. First of all Ben affleck is talented but how can u put a new face behind the cape, that is basically a reboot of batman but what about his origins. Last 3 batman movies are not his origins as its a new face. You can't just put a new batman without telling the audience how he got there n u also have to build his story up before putting him alongside superman. Christian bale let us down, he would have been perfect as he is ageing himself and if not bale then at least make a standalone movie of batman before this superman and batman.
It's actually three Oscar-winning Batmen in a row, as Clooney also won for Syriana. Then again, look how his turn in the suit turned out.
Tore my shirt and rubbed ashes in my hair. Coworkers thought I was crazy until I told them the news.