Ben Affleck is returning as Batman for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, raising several questions about his role and Michael Keaton's DCEU future. Affleck's version of Bruce Wayne joined the DC Extended Universe in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This was meant to be the beginning of a major role in the shared universe, which continued with a cameo in Suicide Squad and major role in Justice League. The latter's turbulent production left Affleck without much interest in continuing the role, as he abandoned plans for a solo project. However, the tides on his Batman future continue to change with Jason Momoa's tease that Affleck's Batman returns in Aquaman 2.
After taking some time away from the superhero role, Ben Affleck has made some surprising headlines in recent years by returning as Batman for certain DCEU projects. He filmed a few additional scenes for Zack Snyder's Justice League, which many hoped would be the springboard to more SnyderVerse projects, including Affleck's solo The Batman movie idea. It was later revealed that he would return for The Flash, but most speculation suggests Batfleck will die, paving the way for Michael Keaton's Batman to become the only version of the hero in the DCEU after multiverse changes. With Keaton already confirmed for other upcoming DCEU movies, the changing of the guard was quite clear.
The possibility of Ben Affleck's Batman appearing in Aquaman 2 could change the status quo once again. Jason Momoa's first solo movie was an incredible box office hit, as it became the first DCEU movie to make more than $1 billion. The possibility of putting Affleck's Batman in the sequel will only increase the anticipation around the movie. However, there is still some confusion about whether or not Batfleck is in Aquaman 2, what his role will be, and what this means for Michael Keaton's Batman future.
Will Ben Affleck Really Be In Aquaman 2?
The revelation of Ben Affleck's Batman returning in Aquaman 2 was quite a surprise, as Jason Momoa's social media posts teasing the role left many confused. Since the movie had already finished principal photography, Affleck's DCEU return would only now happen through reshoots. While some may have thought Momoa is trolling, all signs point to it being legit. His video includes him mentioning that they tried to keep the Aquaman 2 cameo a secret, but studio tours at Warner Bros. meant participants seeing Affleck and Momoa together. While Affleck could have just been visiting a close friend at work, the presence of a trailer for "B.A." indicates otherwise. Ben Affleck would not have his own trailer near the set if he was not part of the production. It seems that Ben Affleck's Batman return in Aquaman 2 was not meant to become public knowledge, but Momoa decided to confirm it after knowing that it would now get out.
How Batman Can Fit Into Aquaman 2's Story
Not much is known about Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom's story, making it a bit difficult to figure out how Ben Affleck's Batman factors in. The film has been described as a buddy team-up movie between Momoa's Arthur Curry and Patrick Wilson's Orm. Aquaman 2's official synopsis teases an ancient power being unleashed, while it is also known that Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) will be the main villain. With another globe-trotting adventure ahead for Aquaman, it should not be expected that Affleck's Batman has a massive role. He is more likely filming a small cameo as Bruce Wayne - possibly explaining the sharp-looking suit Affleck has on in Momoa's post. For that reason, his Aquaman 2 role might not see Ben Affleck wear the Batman suit again. Any interaction between Bruce and Arthur, though, will give DCEU viewers a glimpse of where their relationship stands after Justice League.
What Does Affleck In Aquaman 2 Mean For Michael Keaton's Batman?
Prior to news of Ben Affleck's return, it was rumored that Michael Keaton's Batman was meant to appear in Aquaman 2. The possibility that Affleck is now replacing Keaton's scenes might give audiences some hope that he will remain the DCEU's main version of Batman. However, this is not likely. It is important to remember that the original DCEU slate included The Flash coming out before Aquaman 2. Warner Bros. has since made some significant changes to their release dates, which resulted in the Aquaman sequel coming out a few months before Ezra Miller's first solo movie. If The Flash is meant to usher Affleck out and Keaton in, then audiences would be quite confused to see Keaton in the main DCEU continuity in Aquaman 2 only to learn of the how and why this is possible in the next movie.
Ben Affleck's Aquaman 2 return as Batman could be a small way to help the DCEU with its overall story. But unless WB plans to change the franchise's overall future, Keaton's Batman will still be the main version moving forward. Not only is this how The Flash is expected to end, but Keaton also returns as Batman in Batgirl. It would be way too difficult for the studio to change these plans and incorporate Ben Affleck again, even if he does have a renewed desire to play the role. At this point, Keaton is still positioned to be the DCEU's Batman for future films, so Ben Affleck's Batman appearing in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will not change that.
