A DCEU theory suggests that Ben Affleck's Batman is more aggressive in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice for narrative reasons, and there's compelling evidence to support it. After 2013's Man of Steel, the DCEU started in earnest with the 2016 sequel Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The film saw the introduction of Ben Affleck's Batman, who took umbrage with the presence of superpowered aliens on Earth and decided to take the fight to Henry Cavill's Superman. This led to the titular superhero grudge match, pitting Batman against Superman in a massive cinematic spectacle that paved the way for Justice League's story.
The many different cinematic iterations of the iconic Caped Crusader mean that it's difficult to make a new Batman feel unique. Though it's not impossible—as proven by the overwhelmingly positive reception to Robert Pattinson's version of the character in The Batman—taking a new approach to such a beloved character comes with an inherent risk. Affleck's Batman was introduced as a much darker, more violent figure, and his aggressive nature and unnecessary brutality contributed to the tone that made Batman v Superman so controversial. In subsequent DCEU appearances, this was toned down, making Affleck's Batman a more interesting and layer character.
One fan theory initially posted to Reddit suggests an interesting reason for the apparent change in Batman's personality in the DCEU's overarching narrative. According to the theory, Batman is using some form of steroids - most likely a modified version of Bane's Venom - in order to compete with Superman. The theory not only explains why Affleck's Batman appears to be so much angrier and more aggressive in Batman v Superman, but also dives into the hidden motivations of the character and his relationships with those around him, too. Ben Affleck's Batman has recently undergone a reappraisal which assesses just how underrated he is, but the theory actually lends an interesting additional layer that makes his DCEU performance even better.
Batman Is More Aggressive In Batman Vs Superman Than Other DCEU Movies
In Batman v Superman, Batman's initial main motivation is stopping Superman, who he believes to be a threat to the people of Earth. His intention to hold Superman accountable for his unchecked power is understandable, although his approach could be considered somewhat extreme. In fact, even within Batman v Superman, it is. Alfred explicitly states that Batman's attitude towards Superman is uncharacteristically aggressive. This obsessive aggression towards Batman is suggested by the theory to be due to the use of steroids, and it's seemingly backed up by the way that the aggression subsides in subsequent DCEU movies. In addition, despite his animosity towards Superman, Affleck's Batman is shown to share a more trusting relationship with Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman, who also possesses power far beyond his own.
In Justice League, Batman's aggression is toned down considerably. In fact, Affleck's Batman is even heard cracking a few jokes, and he cuts a far less brooding figure, especially with regards to his fellow Justice League heroes. He's also far less brutal in combat encounters after the events of Batman v Superman - he demonstrates restraint in his Suicide Squad cameo against Deadshot, although in Batman v Superman he's clearly prepared to murder Superman. This demonstrates a seemingly massive shift in personality from one film to the next.
This colossal shift in what Ben Affleck's Batman is prepared to do as a hero seems like something of a plot hole, but it's one that the theory fixes. According to the theory, Batman is using a Venom-like substance during the events of Batman v Superman that's making him both stronger and more aggressive. If the theory is believed, his uncharacteristic hatred for Superman is partly fuelled by the steroids, making his unnatural aggression make much more logical sense in the process.
Why Ben Affleck's Batman Might Have Used Steroids
The theory even offers potential reasons behind Batman's use of steroids in Batman v Superman. The very nature of DC's two most iconic heroes makes a rivalry between them seem inconsequential. One of them is a billionaire with impressive gadgets, and the other possesses near-immortality and godlike strength (among other powers). Logically, Ben Affleck's Batman would need an edge to realistically fight Henry Cavill's Superman and not immediately be overpowered. Though the film establishes Batman's adapted Kryptonite weaponry as the reason for this, the theory posits that he also gave himself an extra boost by using his own Venom formula, and the aggression was a side effect of its use.
One other reasonable consideration that also lends itself to the theory is in the characterization of Affleck's Batman. The DCEU introduces Affleck's version of the character as a much older vigilante, weathered and jaded by the many years spent fighting against the villains of Gotham. It's established that Affleck's Batman has experienced loss during his time as the Dark Knight, with his Robin confirmed dead in the DCEU. His age, and his traumatic experience, are cited as the reasons for his much bleaker outlook and brutal methods, and in line with the theory, could also serve as motivation for his choice to chemically enhance himself in order to face Superman.
The Real Reason For The Change In Affleck's Batman
Zack Snyder's initial ideas for Batman were clearly for him to act as a much darker and grittier take on the character who was also capable of matching Superman in a fight. This approach was criticized by many, and it was therefore dialed back in subsequent installments of the DCEU, but its shadow remains over Batman v Superman. However, within the narrative, this translates to a somewhat abrupt change in the character of Ben Affleck's Batman, and that's something that the theory gives an in-universe explanation for.
The real reasons behind the change are relatively obvious. The dark, joyless take on Batman of Batman v Superman offered only a shallow approximation of the character, and subsequent appearances sought to remedy this by relaxing his aggression slightly in order to make him a more faithful adaptation of the Caped Crusader. With Batman's first DCEU outing in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice remaining as a depiction of the more brutally aggressive version of the character, the theory connects the real-world change to the franchise's narrative, making it both plausible and somewhat ingenious.
