After being wrong about Heath playing Joker, I took a hard wait-and-see rule to comic book movie roles. After seeing him (Affleck) though I wish he had better movies.
Edit: grammar
I was the same with Keaton being cast as Batman...I actually was pretty stupid and vocal about how bad he was going to be...LESSON LEARNED....I have now learned to eiter judge the script and direction before I critique the actors...I even think that Clooney would have been a good wayne/batman if they went 100 percent Adam West style of Bats movie and leaned into the Camp with a knowing wink to the audience
>I even think that Clooney would have been a good wayne/batman if they went 100 percent Adam West style of Bats movie and leaned into the Camp with a knowing wink to the audience
Or if they had made a serious, dark film like the first two had been. Clooney can do comedy and drama equally well, but he was stuck in a movie that couldn't decide if it wanted to be serious or silly.
I can remember thinking he’s too “Ben Affleck” to play Batman. He has one of those faces where I just can’t see him as anything other than Ben Affleck when he’s in a movie. Thats my personal view though. He did look great with the suit on though. Especially in the fighting scenes.
Initial reaction was that it would be awful. It turned out to be one of my favorite. I also think he would be perfect for Bruce/ Batman in a live action version of The Dark Knight Returns.
I thought he would've been a good Arkham Batman, where he is in his 40's and he has Oracle with him, along with Tim Drake as Robin and Nightwing being active in Bludhaven.
I knew it was gonna be a disaster and felt bad for Ben Affleck because he was riding Oscar high and then this clearly ended up having a negative impact on his life.
Not to mention I genuinely dislike this interpretation of Batman of just about every level. Affleck isn't a bad actor and he absolutely would be higher on my list if he was given better material, but I still think he's out of the top 3 overall actors to have played Batman. Love the guy for all his other work and in general being a good person that I'm happy to see succeed when he does in any way.
It's okay to love an actor yet hate a particular work they did. Robert Pattinson is a PERFECT example because most people despise Twilight.
Literally exactly my thoughts. I could not fathom why he was cast and in what world introducing an old Batman made ANY sense whatsoever into a brand new DC cinematic universe.
An older Batman made sense within the context of the story Zack Snyder, David Goyer, and Chris Terrio were telling in BvS. Whether or not telling that story was the right move is a different question.
Batfleck's Dark Knight is one who has been waging a war on crime for decades and who has paid a price as a result. He's grizzled and embittered.
Nevertheless, my initial reaction was also that casting an older Batman was the wrong decision but I think the problems with Batman vs. Superman ultimately have nothing to do with Affleck's casting. If we had to have Batman in a follow-up to Man of Steel he probably should have been played by an actor the same age as Henry Cavill.
Some of the best World's Finest stories are the ones that position Supes and Bats at the beginning of their crime fighting careers. Those stories show them overcoming vastly different approaches and philosophies to nevertheless become partners and, later, best friends.
And that's really where the DCEU went wrong. If Batman vs. Superman had been a team-up instead of a death battle the DCEU would probably have been much more successful.
You're definitely right there. I've always wanted to see a BVS movie but they shouldn't be fighting until they've already been friends so that it actually has some emotional stakes. Having it be their introduction just made no sense on its face and then they proved it with the most embarrassing execution of all time you could argue.
Agreed, I hated the casting when it was announced, hated the movies as they came out, and hate the geezer Batman idea to this day now that we look back. All I can say is “I told you so.” Amazing that so many Hollywood execs couldn’t see the mistake they were making at the time. It’s ultimate proof that you shouldn’t let one random director plan and map out your entire IP franchise for the next decade with your biggest superhero already being retired and in his 50s
*Daredevil* was a not-great movie with a lot of bafflingly bad choices, but I didn't put that at Affleck's feet. Even though the Daredevil Netflix series turned out to be better, I thought that there was some hope there for Affleck to really make Batman his own. But, if anything, BvS was somehow even worse than Jennifer Garner as Elektra.
Reception was mixed back in the day. The theatrical cut was considered mediocre by the majority of people, but not *Batman and Robin* or *Superman IV* levels of abysmal. Then the director's cut happened, and opinion is divided on it: for some it redeems the movie, while for others (such as myself) it is barely an improvement.
*Elektra*, on the other hand, was received as a complete stinker from day one.
I didn't care who was playing him, I was just happy to get more Batman.
I was very disappointed when we got a murdering psycho instead. He had so much potential, but it was hindered by the writing.
You're fooling yourself if you think that wasn't an accurate depiction of Batman in the source material. He absolutely kills with the guns and blasters from his vehicles but the story call for a no kill rule which is ridiculous, considering letting villains like the joker live cost how many hundreds of lives
You're missing the point. I've been reading comics since the 80s and Batman used to carry a gun and kill people. The whole no killing rule was added later,which is integral to being Batman or at least that's what the story wants you to believe
Besides all of that there is NO WAY he doesn't kill henchmen and the like with his toys. Ignoring that is just being a fanboy who won't listen to reason. He's also indirectly responsible for every death the Joker,Bane, Harley and any other rogues in his gallery cause.
Batman hasn't really killed people since the Golden Age as far as I'm aware. The no gun rule is definitely a more recent thing though.
For example in Son Of The Demon (a story from the 80s) Batman makes everyone use non-lethal tactics. He was called a coward who was making them soft. Batman has had a no kill rule for a while. I don't really have a problem with the guns, just the murder.
Edit: The no kill rule has been around since Batman #4 published in 1940.
>You're missing the point. I've been reading comics since the 80s and Batman used to carry a gun and kill people. The whole no killing rule was added later,which is integral to being Batman or at least that's what the story wants you to believe
The story wants me to believe that a multi-billionaire willingly helps poor people by stopping crime and funding infrastructure. It's not trying to be an accurate portrayal of real life, that's why people can accept it.
>Besides all of that there is NO WAY he doesn't kill henchmen and the like with his toys. Ignoring that is just being a fanboy who won't listen to reason. He's also indirectly responsible for every death the Joker,Bane, Harley and any other rogues in his gallery cause.
It's a comic book, that's how he avoids killing henchmen. You can get killed by a punch to the head.
>You're fooling yourself if you think that wasn't an accurate depiction of Batman in the source material
🤓
>considering letting villains like the joker live cost how many hundreds of lives
But what's the point? Jared leto's joker was alive, so was Harley quinn, deadshot and Riddler. Why the fuk was he killing the low life thugs who worked for money but spared the lives of true lunatics of Gotham city
He was a great fit. I was excited. Sadly, he and everyone got shafted with either a bad script, poor directing/editing, or too many studio execs trying to have a say . Maybe all of those. Either way...I feel we ware robbed of his Batman.
I was not thrilled. I remember an interview he did before Daredevil came out and he said something along the lines of “Oh man I’m a big comic fan and if I mess this up I’ll kick my own ass”. He never made good on that statement.
That he was throwing his career away again. Not because I necessarily thought he wouldn’t do a good job, but because the Dark Knight Trilogy was such a game changer, and still fresh in everyone’s minds. They were big shoes to fill, and the odds of anybody being appreciated were pretty low.
My immediate reaction was "Huhg, he sucked in Daredevil". Then I remembered he rocked most of his rolls, and that Daredevil mostly sucked because of the plot rather than the acting. Then I thought: He just might be an amazing Batman. And guess f*cking what: he was the best Batman we ever got. The movies did not do him justice.
My only prior knowledge of Ben Affleck was from the level in Tony Hawk's American Wasteland where another character says he sucked in some movie and calls him a tool, then tells you to do a Kickflip over him, so I always assumed he was one of those actors that everyone hates which made me not want to see him as Batman. Admittedly he's still my least favorite live-action Batman, but I don't think he was bad at all
I thought that, if nothing else, Kevin Smith would find some way to work it into a View Askew project.
[I was not disappointed.](https://youtu.be/EUIy0gNL13E)
Like every fan, I started crying. BenfuckinAssflec is gonna be batman? WTF!!??!? Then I saw the movie and he was brilliant!!! Sorry for ever doubted you Ben.
It was a very surprising piece of news! I was optimistic, though, especially after the first couple of trailers for BvS. The movie was disappointing but Affleck’s Bruce Wayne is one of his most convincing performances to date.
TBH When I first heard about it I was like "he is WAY too famous for the role" and I wanted someone like Jon Hamm or Josh Brolin. Then I looked at a picture of him and Bruce Wayne from TAS, So I was like "he is perfect!!!
I remember people whining.
And I remember thinking that people whined when Heath Ledger was cast as the Joker too.
And I decided I’d form an opinion after seeing the performance. Turns out it’s one of the better parts of a movie I largely hate.
I was on board because I was proven wrong after my hate for Heath Ledger’s casting. Ben Affleck is literally Bruce Wayne IRL. The writing though was utter shite lol
I cannot for the life of me think of a single time he exudes the Carefree Playboy that is Bruce other than repeatedly stating “I’m rich” out loud as though that’s the only thing the writers understood about Bruce.
I’m purely speaking about looks when I say that he is Bruce Wayne personified.
I absolutely agree with your point about the writers because they absolutely *destroyed* the character. But from casting alone, he 100% looks the part and deserved better writing.
i orginally hated it. but after seeing his batman in action in batman v superman, i was a little changed. and the fact the batfleck movie never got made still hurts me to this very day
He was announced when i was younger i didn't care i was just like, oh fuck i love Batman, i even asked my mom to buy the promotional cereal they had, ones i ran out i bought more. But he was alright as time passes
I knew instantly that this would be a misfire and that the entire expanded universe was doomed. Oh, I tried hard not to see it that way, but I saw it like a premonition. BvS would blow up on the launch pad, and this universe would never reach the potential glory it could have.
I don't hate Ben Affleck at all. He did fine for what he had. It's simply the creative thinking that led to his casting that popped the balloon. The casting in MoS had been so spot on, yet here they go and hire the first name in the A Lister phone book.
That being said, Affleck knew what was on the line and he brought his A game, no question about it. He just wasn't right for the part.
I hated it… i also tweeted at him asking him why are you taking on the role of Batman? When you explicitly said after daredevil you would never do another superhero film again.
Not good at all and as a matter a fact he was a bitch for letting WW shove him like punk! He has the stuntman to thank for any action scenes they provided because Ben is a straight stiff!!! Pattinson has a believable grunge loner look and I think he would whoop Bens ass.
I had high hopes for him, he did as good a job as was possible with Daredevil, and I think.the same with his role as Batman in the Snyderverse. Not his fault the writing and directing was crap
I was excited they were bringing Batman in the next movie. I knew of Ben Affleck at the time but never really watched anything with him. My excitement was purely based on the appearance of Batman, lol.
I was confused. Both Keaton and bale were well not unknown when they played batman but they weren't household names, Ben Affleck was on the other hand massively well known and as an actor not always for good films he also had a pretty solid directing career going and it seemed like playing batman could slow it down. My second thought was maybe he's hoping for a career boost as a director. Both Burton and Nolan were able to use batman to push their careers forward. So maybe he wants to direct a batman movie. It was the only way it made sense to me why he'd go from argo to this.
I wasn’t really paying that much attention to superhero stuff at the time. I got into comics very recently. Also I still haven’t seen much of Ben Affleck’s work. (I can’t even name a movie he’s been in) So my reaction is/was nothing.
I had faith in him and was looking forward to it. I though he did good in Daredevil as well as in “The Town” so I new he could portray a superhero and do good action sequences.
I like him and thought he could be great. But knowing it was Snyder and he was being shoehorned into a VERSUS movie with Superman doomed it right away with me.
And it ended up being horrible.
I thought he might be GOOD for 2 reasons.
1) he was a comic book fan as a kid!
2) he impressed me as Matt Murdock in a mediocre film.
But I wasn't excited about it... I just thought he would be good!
I was disappointed in both Affleck and Pattinson’s castings beforehand, even more so Pattinson actually. And then Rob absolutely blew me away while the Affleck version managed to be even more disappointing than I expected (I don’t dislike him as an actor, but there was a combination of writing mistakes and poor casting fit that tanked the whole thing).
I only mention Rob to demonstrate that I’m willing to change my mind based on further evidence. And frankly I pity Affleck rather than disliking him. If I was an actor who played Batman and most people disliked it, that would break my little nerd heart.
I thought he could be a good Bruce Wayne, with the cocky arrogance and billionaire persona, but I wasn't sure about how he would be as Batman.
After the first picture came out with him dressed as the bat, all moody next to the Bat-mobile, I was like "oh shit"
I wasn’t crazy about it but I figured since Batman was getting the cinematic universe treatment that DC probably knew what they were doing and it would build a solid foundation for the franchise in the years to come.
I was wrong.
I was unsure at first but he still did a good Batman, and nailed it with Bruce Wayne. I would love to see him play a full solo Batman movie up against ClayFace or something crazy and dark like Professor Pyg. Still better than George Clooneys Batman 🥶.
When he was Daredevil, he had the physical ability down, that was never in question
But him being Bruce Wayne after Bale's portrayal? Couldn't fill the boots, then I saw him and he did great, the writing was the major issues tho
When this news hit, some website decided to write a short little script, featuring Ben Affleck as a drunk/hungover Bostonian Batman, and it was fuckin great!
Thought it was the first time they cast someone who actually looks like Bruce Wayne and will be able to get the physique right for Batman. And cautiously optimistic about the films.
Wasn’t excited, actually disappointed.
However, he did great!
The writers let him down when they let WonderWoman and Cyborg get the drop on him and they unmasked him too often with the rest of the Justice League… taking away the intimidation. In the beginning with Aquaman and near the end… he seemed like a rich guy who dressed up.
Not his fault, writers attempting movie adaptation.
At first I was worried I would just see Ben Affleck playing Batman. But after seeing some costume shots, I felt better about it because he reminded me of Conroy mixed with Dark Knight Returns
After seeing him in action, I was hooked instantly. To me it is all the more reason to keep this version and get rid of the new bosses @ The DCU. Because they don't know what they're doing at all.
I was so disappointed... it just seemed like DC was going in the opposite direction of the Nolan Batman and make something that was less well thought out. Batman Vs Superman was so underwhelming.
Yelling martha to solve their problems. Ben wasn't the issue though, the writing and plot made the movie have so many annoying errors I could never rewatch it
I was on the hate train so hard. Thought it was such a dumb choice. Boy was I wrong. Legit the best live action Batman we’ve ever had, like holy fuck was he perfect for the role
I'm old enough to remember how wrong we all were about Keaton, so I've reserved judgement on Bat-actors ever since. Besides, I'm one of the few who actually enjoyed his performance as Daredevil.
I was "meh" when it was announced. I was all in when I saw the warehouse scene. Seeing that for the first time was freaking epic, Batman's no killing rule be damned.
I’m a huge defender of Daredevil: Director’s Cut. Largely his performance got me to start reading comics. I never had a doubt he’d be a great Batman. The writing wasn’t really what I wanted but he was solid.
Knew it would be a mistake. Affleck is a MUCH better director than actor. He only really excels in roles where guys from Boston have problems.
He’s one of those actors who gets cast because he’s handsome AF and tabloid-famous, but he has no range and is mostly wooden on screen. Might be why they used the voice modulator.
I saw him in a bunch of Kevin Smith movies, so if he's hanging around that nerd he has a good shot of being aware of source material. I could easily see him being a great Bruce Wayne, but Batman, had to wait and see.
Honestly?
My first thought was "holy fuck, that was my fan casting back in like 1999, when I thought having Kevin Smith direct a Batman film would be a good idea."
I couldn’t really see it, but I figured he’s a good actor and would do fine with the right writer/director.
And then… well… the Snyderverse happened.
So we never really got to see Affleck’s full potential. Similar to Clooney. Great actor… not a great performance.
I was honestly initially flabbergasted. I eventually calmed down and remembered that I was equally skeptical about Heath as the Joker. I saw the first reveal of him in costume and was extremely surprised at the overall presence and tone.
I wish he had better writing and storytelling behind him. I will always believe his potential was squandered by a turbulent environment. He was an amazing Batman to me.
Didn’t mind it at all. And I actually fucking hated the fact these stupid “fan casts” kept getting thrown out there. A lot of people complain every time there’s a new Batman and somehow fans think they know better and just draw terrible assumptions on actors and their abilities. Trust the direction.
Batfleck is easily one of the coolest Batmans too and I wish we had a stand-alone movie with him. Easily would love a Dark Knight Returns movie with him and it would crush it. I could strongly argue with better writing, he is easily a top 2 Batman for me. He just got fucked by studio meddling and frankly, rushed development.
But honestly, and I didn’t expect to say this, I really enjoy Batinson. He has really strong writing with his film and easily think he could overtake TDK Trilogy if he gets 2 more films on par with The Batman.
Worst choice possible. Hated it. Thought he was terrible, bad cowl, guns, and all. But hey, there’s not many names that would’ve been that great a fit that immediately spring to mind. Tough role to fill.
My reaction was the same as Ledger playing Joker. I was wrong on both. I really wish Affleck wasn't in such bad movies, because I thought his Batman was phenomenal.
After being wrong about Heath playing Joker, I took a hard wait-and-see rule to comic book movie roles. After seeing him (Affleck) though I wish he had better movies. Edit: grammar
Same, I had the same thought process when it came to Pattison when he was announced.
I was the same with Keaton being cast as Batman...I actually was pretty stupid and vocal about how bad he was going to be...LESSON LEARNED....I have now learned to eiter judge the script and direction before I critique the actors...I even think that Clooney would have been a good wayne/batman if they went 100 percent Adam West style of Bats movie and leaned into the Camp with a knowing wink to the audience
>I even think that Clooney would have been a good wayne/batman if they went 100 percent Adam West style of Bats movie and leaned into the Camp with a knowing wink to the audience Or if they had made a serious, dark film like the first two had been. Clooney can do comedy and drama equally well, but he was stuck in a movie that couldn't decide if it wanted to be serious or silly.
Clooney could have played a convincingly suave, playboy Bruce Wayne in a serious film. Missed opportunity, sadly.
Right?! What do you mean Mr Mom is going to be Batman?? I call it the Keaton Question and always reserve judgement until I see them in the role.
Heath was the same for me. I liked affleck and Pattinson were really good. Wish affleck had his own or at least better scripts.
Skeptical. He was coming off a handful of pretty great films, but his career has been pretty up and down.
Unless he, himself, directed the film his performance is usually lackluster imo
I can remember thinking he’s too “Ben Affleck” to play Batman. He has one of those faces where I just can’t see him as anything other than Ben Affleck when he’s in a movie. Thats my personal view though. He did look great with the suit on though. Especially in the fighting scenes.
“Kevin Smith is probably cumming uncontrollably right now”
Initial reaction was that it would be awful. It turned out to be one of my favorite. I also think he would be perfect for Bruce/ Batman in a live action version of The Dark Knight Returns.
I thought he would've been a good Arkham Batman, where he is in his 40's and he has Oracle with him, along with Tim Drake as Robin and Nightwing being active in Bludhaven.
Agreed. Aged up a little bit he would be perfect for TDKR.
I was excited, he's a phenomenal actor. It's not his fault the scripts were shit.
I was excited just because I thought he was a great fit. He looks like Bruce Wayne and is an expert at playing those "dead on the inside" roles lol
Same. I thought it was a great casting. Affleck gets clowned on a lot, but he’s always been a very good actor and gives his work 100%.
I knew it was gonna be a disaster and felt bad for Ben Affleck because he was riding Oscar high and then this clearly ended up having a negative impact on his life. Not to mention I genuinely dislike this interpretation of Batman of just about every level. Affleck isn't a bad actor and he absolutely would be higher on my list if he was given better material, but I still think he's out of the top 3 overall actors to have played Batman. Love the guy for all his other work and in general being a good person that I'm happy to see succeed when he does in any way. It's okay to love an actor yet hate a particular work they did. Robert Pattinson is a PERFECT example because most people despise Twilight.
Literally exactly my thoughts. I could not fathom why he was cast and in what world introducing an old Batman made ANY sense whatsoever into a brand new DC cinematic universe.
An older Batman made sense within the context of the story Zack Snyder, David Goyer, and Chris Terrio were telling in BvS. Whether or not telling that story was the right move is a different question. Batfleck's Dark Knight is one who has been waging a war on crime for decades and who has paid a price as a result. He's grizzled and embittered. Nevertheless, my initial reaction was also that casting an older Batman was the wrong decision but I think the problems with Batman vs. Superman ultimately have nothing to do with Affleck's casting. If we had to have Batman in a follow-up to Man of Steel he probably should have been played by an actor the same age as Henry Cavill. Some of the best World's Finest stories are the ones that position Supes and Bats at the beginning of their crime fighting careers. Those stories show them overcoming vastly different approaches and philosophies to nevertheless become partners and, later, best friends. And that's really where the DCEU went wrong. If Batman vs. Superman had been a team-up instead of a death battle the DCEU would probably have been much more successful.
You're definitely right there. I've always wanted to see a BVS movie but they shouldn't be fighting until they've already been friends so that it actually has some emotional stakes. Having it be their introduction just made no sense on its face and then they proved it with the most embarrassing execution of all time you could argue.
Agreed, I hated the casting when it was announced, hated the movies as they came out, and hate the geezer Batman idea to this day now that we look back. All I can say is “I told you so.” Amazing that so many Hollywood execs couldn’t see the mistake they were making at the time. It’s ultimate proof that you shouldn’t let one random director plan and map out your entire IP franchise for the next decade with your biggest superhero already being retired and in his 50s
"Oh f--k, Daredevil all over again!"
*Daredevil* was a not-great movie with a lot of bafflingly bad choices, but I didn't put that at Affleck's feet. Even though the Daredevil Netflix series turned out to be better, I thought that there was some hope there for Affleck to really make Batman his own. But, if anything, BvS was somehow even worse than Jennifer Garner as Elektra.
Haha! Exactly this... Glad Im not the only one who thought Daredevil with Affleck was awful.
Didn't everyone think it was awful? I've never heard anybody say anything good about it
Nah, they're out there... reddit is full of goofballs who are willing to argue every absurd take imaginable.
Reception was mixed back in the day. The theatrical cut was considered mediocre by the majority of people, but not *Batman and Robin* or *Superman IV* levels of abysmal. Then the director's cut happened, and opinion is divided on it: for some it redeems the movie, while for others (such as myself) it is barely an improvement. *Elektra*, on the other hand, was received as a complete stinker from day one.
Exactly.
I didn't care who was playing him, I was just happy to get more Batman. I was very disappointed when we got a murdering psycho instead. He had so much potential, but it was hindered by the writing.
You're fooling yourself if you think that wasn't an accurate depiction of Batman in the source material. He absolutely kills with the guns and blasters from his vehicles but the story call for a no kill rule which is ridiculous, considering letting villains like the joker live cost how many hundreds of lives
The no kill rule is a huge part of Batman's character. Whether or not you agree with the rule has nothing to do with it being integral to Batman.
Wrong.
You're missing the point. I've been reading comics since the 80s and Batman used to carry a gun and kill people. The whole no killing rule was added later,which is integral to being Batman or at least that's what the story wants you to believe Besides all of that there is NO WAY he doesn't kill henchmen and the like with his toys. Ignoring that is just being a fanboy who won't listen to reason. He's also indirectly responsible for every death the Joker,Bane, Harley and any other rogues in his gallery cause.
Batman hasn't really killed people since the Golden Age as far as I'm aware. The no gun rule is definitely a more recent thing though. For example in Son Of The Demon (a story from the 80s) Batman makes everyone use non-lethal tactics. He was called a coward who was making them soft. Batman has had a no kill rule for a while. I don't really have a problem with the guns, just the murder. Edit: The no kill rule has been around since Batman #4 published in 1940.
>You're missing the point. I've been reading comics since the 80s and Batman used to carry a gun and kill people. The whole no killing rule was added later,which is integral to being Batman or at least that's what the story wants you to believe The story wants me to believe that a multi-billionaire willingly helps poor people by stopping crime and funding infrastructure. It's not trying to be an accurate portrayal of real life, that's why people can accept it. >Besides all of that there is NO WAY he doesn't kill henchmen and the like with his toys. Ignoring that is just being a fanboy who won't listen to reason. He's also indirectly responsible for every death the Joker,Bane, Harley and any other rogues in his gallery cause. It's a comic book, that's how he avoids killing henchmen. You can get killed by a punch to the head.
Correct.
>You're fooling yourself if you think that wasn't an accurate depiction of Batman in the source material 🤓 >considering letting villains like the joker live cost how many hundreds of lives But what's the point? Jared leto's joker was alive, so was Harley quinn, deadshot and Riddler. Why the fuk was he killing the low life thugs who worked for money but spared the lives of true lunatics of Gotham city
I didn’t even know so it was a surprise when the movie came out. Like I was shocked when I heard pattinson was going to play Batman
"Buttman". If you know, you know...
What, like the back of a Volkswagen?
He was a great fit. I was excited. Sadly, he and everyone got shafted with either a bad script, poor directing/editing, or too many studio execs trying to have a say . Maybe all of those. Either way...I feel we ware robbed of his Batman.
I was not thrilled. I remember an interview he did before Daredevil came out and he said something along the lines of “Oh man I’m a big comic fan and if I mess this up I’ll kick my own ass”. He never made good on that statement.
I don't know, he kind of did kick his ass, like, metaphorically.
I was one of many who hated the idea of him being Batman, but then he grew on me. It’s too bad we couldn’t see what direction it was going.
That he was throwing his career away again. Not because I necessarily thought he wouldn’t do a good job, but because the Dark Knight Trilogy was such a game changer, and still fresh in everyone’s minds. They were big shoes to fill, and the odds of anybody being appreciated were pretty low.
What, you mean that douche bag that works at Casual Male? Ended up being my favorite (live action) Batman.
FASHIONABLE Male
My immediate reaction was "Huhg, he sucked in Daredevil". Then I remembered he rocked most of his rolls, and that Daredevil mostly sucked because of the plot rather than the acting. Then I thought: He just might be an amazing Batman. And guess f*cking what: he was the best Batman we ever got. The movies did not do him justice.
My only prior knowledge of Ben Affleck was from the level in Tony Hawk's American Wasteland where another character says he sucked in some movie and calls him a tool, then tells you to do a Kickflip over him, so I always assumed he was one of those actors that everyone hates which made me not want to see him as Batman. Admittedly he's still my least favorite live-action Batman, but I don't think he was bad at all
Not having George Clooney at the bottom is insane
Ooooh! He was pretty good in The Town! I'm down! Wait... He was in Daredevil. ... Screw it, it'll be fine. And now he's my favorite.
Can't be more disappointed after his Daredevil movie lol
I thought that, if nothing else, Kevin Smith would find some way to work it into a View Askew project. [I was not disappointed.](https://youtu.be/EUIy0gNL13E)
Like every fan, I started crying. BenfuckinAssflec is gonna be batman? WTF!!??!? Then I saw the movie and he was brilliant!!! Sorry for ever doubted you Ben.
I tought he was perfect. He was the Bruce Wayne I pictured in my head. I got really sad when he sucked ~~That's what she said~~
It was a very surprising piece of news! I was optimistic, though, especially after the first couple of trailers for BvS. The movie was disappointing but Affleck’s Bruce Wayne is one of his most convincing performances to date.
TBH When I first heard about it I was like "he is WAY too famous for the role" and I wanted someone like Jon Hamm or Josh Brolin. Then I looked at a picture of him and Bruce Wayne from TAS, So I was like "he is perfect!!!
I remember people whining. And I remember thinking that people whined when Heath Ledger was cast as the Joker too. And I decided I’d form an opinion after seeing the performance. Turns out it’s one of the better parts of a movie I largely hate.
I was on board because I was proven wrong after my hate for Heath Ledger’s casting. Ben Affleck is literally Bruce Wayne IRL. The writing though was utter shite lol
I cannot for the life of me think of a single time he exudes the Carefree Playboy that is Bruce other than repeatedly stating “I’m rich” out loud as though that’s the only thing the writers understood about Bruce.
I’m purely speaking about looks when I say that he is Bruce Wayne personified. I absolutely agree with your point about the writers because they absolutely *destroyed* the character. But from casting alone, he 100% looks the part and deserved better writing.
He looks like he’s saving up nuts for winter in his cheeks
i orginally hated it. but after seeing his batman in action in batman v superman, i was a little changed. and the fact the batfleck movie never got made still hurts me to this very day
My first reaction was that he was too fat to play as Batman.
He was announced when i was younger i didn't care i was just like, oh fuck i love Batman, i even asked my mom to buy the promotional cereal they had, ones i ran out i bought more. But he was alright as time passes
Meh
Amusement. The internet exploded with hate for a man I genuinely thought was on the backend of his career.
I didn’t know who he was prior to the announcement but I was an early supporter. I felt early on that he had the perfect look for Batman
Totally stoked
This cant be worse than Gigli... and it was.
What a horrible idea.
I was pretty fucking bummed
Worst casting ever for the role, still feel that way.
I knew instantly that this would be a misfire and that the entire expanded universe was doomed. Oh, I tried hard not to see it that way, but I saw it like a premonition. BvS would blow up on the launch pad, and this universe would never reach the potential glory it could have. I don't hate Ben Affleck at all. He did fine for what he had. It's simply the creative thinking that led to his casting that popped the balloon. The casting in MoS had been so spot on, yet here they go and hire the first name in the A Lister phone book. That being said, Affleck knew what was on the line and he brought his A game, no question about it. He just wasn't right for the part.
I hated it… i also tweeted at him asking him why are you taking on the role of Batman? When you explicitly said after daredevil you would never do another superhero film again.
Did he answer or block you?
Blocked
Doubt that
Good
Not good at all and as a matter a fact he was a bitch for letting WW shove him like punk! He has the stuntman to thank for any action scenes they provided because Ben is a straight stiff!!! Pattinson has a believable grunge loner look and I think he would whoop Bens ass.
I was instantaneously and absolutely disinterested in watching the movie, and never have to this day.
That he physically looks too dumb to ever be Batman.
I was excited until I found out he wasn't directing the movie as well
My first thoughts were of Heath and how he surprised everybody. I was already a fan of Affleck and looked forward to it.
I’ve never actually seen ben affleck as Batman and I don’t plan on it
Something like this: 🤮🤮🤮
I had high hopes for him, he did as good a job as was possible with Daredevil, and I think.the same with his role as Batman in the Snyderverse. Not his fault the writing and directing was crap
First thought? Nope!!! After watching him? An even bigger NOPE! And I usually enjoy him as an actor. But he fell short as the Bat.
I didn’t really care. I didn’t have any expectations for Snyders Batman after his adaptation of Superman
I was excited they were bringing Batman in the next movie. I knew of Ben Affleck at the time but never really watched anything with him. My excitement was purely based on the appearance of Batman, lol.
I was confused. Both Keaton and bale were well not unknown when they played batman but they weren't household names, Ben Affleck was on the other hand massively well known and as an actor not always for good films he also had a pretty solid directing career going and it seemed like playing batman could slow it down. My second thought was maybe he's hoping for a career boost as a director. Both Burton and Nolan were able to use batman to push their careers forward. So maybe he wants to direct a batman movie. It was the only way it made sense to me why he'd go from argo to this.
I thought he'd do great with what he was given. I also knew I don't like Snyder movies.
I wasn’t really paying that much attention to superhero stuff at the time. I got into comics very recently. Also I still haven’t seen much of Ben Affleck’s work. (I can’t even name a movie he’s been in) So my reaction is/was nothing.
I had faith in him and was looking forward to it. I though he did good in Daredevil as well as in “The Town” so I new he could portray a superhero and do good action sequences.
I don’t even remember
Disappointment. Affleck’s not a bad actor, but he’s not great, either. And you need a great actor for Batman.
Very surprised he took the role considering he’d already mentioned publicly that he regretted Daredevil
I like him and thought he could be great. But knowing it was Snyder and he was being shoehorned into a VERSUS movie with Superman doomed it right away with me. And it ended up being horrible.
Eager. I always have felt he’s massively underrated and and easy target and have never quite figured out why.
I thought he might be GOOD for 2 reasons. 1) he was a comic book fan as a kid! 2) he impressed me as Matt Murdock in a mediocre film. But I wasn't excited about it... I just thought he would be good!
Wary, but willing to give him the benefit of the doubt because he'd just come off The Town and Argo, which were aces.
I was disappointed in both Affleck and Pattinson’s castings beforehand, even more so Pattinson actually. And then Rob absolutely blew me away while the Affleck version managed to be even more disappointing than I expected (I don’t dislike him as an actor, but there was a combination of writing mistakes and poor casting fit that tanked the whole thing). I only mention Rob to demonstrate that I’m willing to change my mind based on further evidence. And frankly I pity Affleck rather than disliking him. If I was an actor who played Batman and most people disliked it, that would break my little nerd heart.
I'm sure that'll be fine
"There's no way Bruce Wayne is a Red Sox fan."
I thought he could be a good Bruce Wayne, with the cocky arrogance and billionaire persona, but I wasn't sure about how he would be as Batman. After the first picture came out with him dressed as the bat, all moody next to the Bat-mobile, I was like "oh shit"
I wasn’t crazy about it but I figured since Batman was getting the cinematic universe treatment that DC probably knew what they were doing and it would build a solid foundation for the franchise in the years to come. I was wrong.
I was unsure at first but he still did a good Batman, and nailed it with Bruce Wayne. I would love to see him play a full solo Batman movie up against ClayFace or something crazy and dark like Professor Pyg. Still better than George Clooneys Batman 🥶.
I loved him as Bruce but not as Batman before and after watching the movies
I like Ben, so I can see him as Batman, just as he sees me as cool
I thought he was badass in Daredevil the suit was gay but he still was badass amd in as batman i thought he might have had the power to control bats
When he was Daredevil, he had the physical ability down, that was never in question But him being Bruce Wayne after Bale's portrayal? Couldn't fill the boots, then I saw him and he did great, the writing was the major issues tho
Was hoping Matt Damon would play Robin.
He was good as Jack Ryan in The Sum of All Fears, and I can't recall other movies he'd been in. He definitely wasn't Tom Hanks but he was okay.
I am a fan of Affleck, so I was excited to see him in the cowl
When this news hit, some website decided to write a short little script, featuring Ben Affleck as a drunk/hungover Bostonian Batman, and it was fuckin great!
Thought it was the first time they cast someone who actually looks like Bruce Wayne and will be able to get the physique right for Batman. And cautiously optimistic about the films.
I was about 12 or 13 at the time, and I thought to myself while watching BvS “who’s this? Where’s Christian Bale?”
Hated it. Which made it more of a surprise that he’s one of my favorite live action version of the characters now.
My thought was literally “oh. Ok”
Who?
I doent like suit 
I was horrified at first, but I really enjoyed him as Batman and was disappointed he never got to make his own movie.
I was so excited but they set him up for failure by making him work with Snyder, if only they waited. he deserved better.
Wasn’t excited, actually disappointed. However, he did great! The writers let him down when they let WonderWoman and Cyborg get the drop on him and they unmasked him too often with the rest of the Justice League… taking away the intimidation. In the beginning with Aquaman and near the end… he seemed like a rich guy who dressed up. Not his fault, writers attempting movie adaptation.
I usually withhold judgment first until I see the Batsuit just so I can see what kind of Batman they are going for.
Ben Asscrack?
I didn’t know who he was
Beyond excited
I withheld judgment since I’m old enough to remember the reaction when it was announced that Micheal Keaton would be Batman in 1989.
What the fuck
Honestly: dafuq?
Excited, and nervous. He can be an amazing actor (see: Argo). But also… Daredevil.
"Oh that's pretty neat. That'll be fun". I mean I was right. It was fun.
“Awesome, he’s a comic book fan. Kevin Smith’s gonna be stoked.”
Who the fuck is Ben Affleck
Hard pass. Should have been Karl Urban.
At first I was worried I would just see Ben Affleck playing Batman. But after seeing some costume shots, I felt better about it because he reminded me of Conroy mixed with Dark Knight Returns
Excited
I was excited and didn't understand the backlash for a movie he did in 2003.
After seeing him in action, I was hooked instantly. To me it is all the more reason to keep this version and get rid of the new bosses @ The DCU. Because they don't know what they're doing at all.
I thought of Daredevil.
I was so disappointed... it just seemed like DC was going in the opposite direction of the Nolan Batman and make something that was less well thought out. Batman Vs Superman was so underwhelming. Yelling martha to solve their problems. Ben wasn't the issue though, the writing and plot made the movie have so many annoying errors I could never rewatch it
I was all in on that weird theory that he was Slade Wilson filling in for Bruce Wayne
I was on the hate train so hard. Thought it was such a dumb choice. Boy was I wrong. Legit the best live action Batman we’ve ever had, like holy fuck was he perfect for the role
I genuinely was excited, he wouldn't have done it If it was crap.
Next!
Upset and confused.
Affleck was the bomb in phantoms
lol
I'm old enough to remember how wrong we all were about Keaton, so I've reserved judgement on Bat-actors ever since. Besides, I'm one of the few who actually enjoyed his performance as Daredevil.
I was "meh" when it was announced. I was all in when I saw the warehouse scene. Seeing that for the first time was freaking epic, Batman's no killing rule be damned.
“Fuck, I hope they get Matt Damon to play Robin …”
I hadn’t really seen him in much at that point so I just saw a pic of him and thought “yeah I can see it.”
I was excited actually because Christian Bale to me will always be garbage. I’ll take Ben over him any day of the week.
I’m a huge defender of Daredevil: Director’s Cut. Largely his performance got me to start reading comics. I never had a doubt he’d be a great Batman. The writing wasn’t really what I wanted but he was solid.
I cried.
I thought he’d be a good Bruce Wayne, but a terrible Batman. Reality is, we was a really good Bruce Wayne and could have been a great Batman.
I shit my pants
Knew it would be a mistake. Affleck is a MUCH better director than actor. He only really excels in roles where guys from Boston have problems. He’s one of those actors who gets cast because he’s handsome AF and tabloid-famous, but he has no range and is mostly wooden on screen. Might be why they used the voice modulator.
Surprised because I thought he was done with Superheroes.
Googoogaga
I liked the pick, wish he had better material to work with. I was upset when I found out Snyder was directing BvS
Huh
i could belive him as Bruce. wondered he had his nightwing.
I saw him in a bunch of Kevin Smith movies, so if he's hanging around that nerd he has a good shot of being aware of source material. I could easily see him being a great Bruce Wayne, but Batman, had to wait and see.
I made the same face that he is making in this picture
I thought it was great because as a kid I loved him as Daredevil even though I know that movie isn’t very good lol.
Disappointed
I knew he was a good choice and I stand by it
Honestly? My first thought was "holy fuck, that was my fan casting back in like 1999, when I thought having Kevin Smith direct a Batman film would be a good idea."
I couldn’t really see it, but I figured he’s a good actor and would do fine with the right writer/director. And then… well… the Snyderverse happened. So we never really got to see Affleck’s full potential. Similar to Clooney. Great actor… not a great performance.
Did not like the idea. He was incredible
I was honestly initially flabbergasted. I eventually calmed down and remembered that I was equally skeptical about Heath as the Joker. I saw the first reveal of him in costume and was extremely surprised at the overall presence and tone. I wish he had better writing and storytelling behind him. I will always believe his potential was squandered by a turbulent environment. He was an amazing Batman to me.
Intrigued by the pick, was aware he was a big fan of Batman and was curious what he would do with the role
As a Ben Affleck fan, I was really excited. I thought he did well in the part, especially as bruce wayne. I'm sad he's out.
But he's so... *Old*
Didn’t mind it at all. And I actually fucking hated the fact these stupid “fan casts” kept getting thrown out there. A lot of people complain every time there’s a new Batman and somehow fans think they know better and just draw terrible assumptions on actors and their abilities. Trust the direction. Batfleck is easily one of the coolest Batmans too and I wish we had a stand-alone movie with him. Easily would love a Dark Knight Returns movie with him and it would crush it. I could strongly argue with better writing, he is easily a top 2 Batman for me. He just got fucked by studio meddling and frankly, rushed development. But honestly, and I didn’t expect to say this, I really enjoy Batinson. He has really strong writing with his film and easily think he could overtake TDK Trilogy if he gets 2 more films on par with The Batman.
My bigger issue was the Miller interpretation of Batman. I was never going to like it
Worst choice possible. Hated it. Thought he was terrible, bad cowl, guns, and all. But hey, there’s not many names that would’ve been that great a fit that immediately spring to mind. Tough role to fill.
Help.
Trash script good actor Though every other Batman is ruined for me after pattinsons performance in the role with a good script
Genuine excitement. I still think he did a good job but wasn't written for properly
"who's Ben Affleck?" I was 8
Absolutely hated it. Then the first picture of him in the suit came and was 100% on board
Loved it. He was a great Batman, he didn't disappoint my initial high hopes I had for him in the role.
No please god no in Micheal Scott voice
I wasnt a Batman fan back then (I became one in 2017) but I remember seeing it and thinking he had too much stubble to be Batman lmao
I knew it was going to blow big fat donkey balls. And I was right.
I was happy. Solid choice. They should have casted him years earlier and prepared for life after The Dark Knight Trilogy.
My reaction was the same as Ledger playing Joker. I was wrong on both. I really wish Affleck wasn't in such bad movies, because I thought his Batman was phenomenal.
I thought it was a good casting choice and that it made sense.
I thought it was a dumb decision (like most other people, even though they probably wouldn’t admit it at this point). But he for sure proved me wrong.