Six years after Ben Affleck‘s departure from directing and starring in his own Batman film, new revelations have emerged about the untapped potential of the project. The film, often referred to as “Batfleck,” was expected to take the Dark Knight in a fresh and innovative direction on the big screen. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Affleck stepped away from the project, but those involved in its development still hold it in high regard.
The Unseen Direction
The Batman film helmed by Ben Affleck was touted to explore untapped storylines of the iconic vigilante, offering audiences a fresh take on the character. The project was described as “fu*king awesome” by those who had insights into its development. One of the key players in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), storyboard artist Jay Oliva, revealed that the film would have delved into unexplored territories in the Batman mythos, amalgamating various comic book storylines from the character’s 80-year history.
Oliva’s Insights
Jay Oliva, known for his work on various successful DC projects, was deeply involved in the development of the Affleck-led Batman film. Although he couldn’t reveal many specifics, Oliva expressed his excitement about the project. He shared that the film intended to tie together multiple compelling Batman storylines that had never been explored on the silver screen before. Geoff Johns and Ben Affleck had a clear vision for the film, and Oliva joined the team during one of the script’s earlier drafts.
A New Perspective
The hallmark of successful Batman films had often been their faithful adaptation of iconic comic book runs. However, the “Batfleck” project aimed to break new ground by offering a fresh perspective on the character. It would have borrowed elements from the rich Batman mythology but approached them from a unique angle, introducing audiences to facets of the Dark Knight’s persona that had not been adequately explored in the comics.
The Unfulfilled Potential
Jay Oliva expressed his fondness for the project and the brilliant ideas it encompassed. The film’s narrative was carefully crafted, with clever and innovative plot elements that captured Oliva’s imagination. Regrettably, the film’s potential could never see the light of day due to Ben Affleck’s personal struggles at the time. Affleck, dealing with the end of his marriage and battling personal demons, ultimately decided to step away from the project to prioritize his well-being.
The Flash’s Final Appearance
Before bidding adieu to his portrayal of Bruce Wayne, Ben Affleck reprised his role in the 2023 movie, The Flash. In this cinematic adventure, the character of Barry Allen, played by Ezra Miller, finds himself exploring multiple timelines, leading to encounters with various versions of Batman from different realities. Affleck’s appearance provided a fitting closure to his iteration of the Caped Crusader.
A New Batman Emerges
Despite the disappointment surrounding the abandoned “Batfleck” project, the Batman legacy continued on the big screen. George Clooney, a former Batman from an earlier film iteration, made a cameo appearance in The Flash. However, the mantle of the Dark Knight was officially passed on to Robert Pattinson in Matt Reeves’ reimagined version of The Batman. The film, released in 2022, earned both critical acclaim and commercial success, showcasing a different side of Bruce Wayne’s journey as Batman.
Conclusion
Ben Affleck’s abandoned Batman project was a remarkable endeavor that aimed to redefine the character on the big screen. The film would have explored uncharted Batman storylines, offering a fresh perspective while remaining true to the character’s rich comic book history. Although the project never materialized due to Affleck’s personal reasons, those involved in its development cherished the brilliant ideas it encompassed. As the Batman legacy continued with new actors donning the cape and cowl, fans could only speculate about the untapped potential of “Batfleck” and what could have been a truly unique and unforgettable cinematic experience.
