Much like many vocal Batman fans, Ben Affleck at first doubted that he could play Batman, according to an interview he granted to 411mania.com. The actor was cast to play the Caped Crusader in the upcoming sequel to th Superman flick Man of Steel, which will be directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen).
Initially I was reluctant, as I felt I didnt fit the traditional mold, he said. But once Zack showed me the concept, and that it would be both different from the great movies that Chris [Nolan]and Christian [Bale] made but still in keeping with tradition I was excited. Moreover, he added that challenging himself with the role was part of the thrill and that he believes in Snyders vision.
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Although Affleck said he shared Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujiharas vision for a Man of Steel Batman thatTsujihara described astired and weary and seasoned and been doing it for a while, the actor stopped short, saying, I dont want to go further because I want to be able to capitalize on what is new about this iteration by having it be a surprise to the audience.
Elsewhere in the article, which also addresses the upcoming Affleck-directed TV movie The Middle Man and the Red Soxs positioning in the World Series, the interviewer asks Affleck who his favorite previous Batman has been. Was it Bale? Michael Keaton? Val Kilmer? Adam West? It has been done very well many times before, replied the actor coyly.
It was announced in August that Affleck would be assuming the role, prompting a bitter backlash from Batfans on Twitter, which the actor shrugged off.