Ben Affleck has recently spoken out about his time revisiting Batman and his comments may reveal some important details regarding Andy Muschietti’s The Flash. The 49-year-old actor returned to his role as Batman in Flash’s upcoming solo film after having previously donned the cape and cowl in three DCEU movies. Affleck’s return in the film came as a surprise to many after the actor’s troubled time with the DCEU was thought to have ended with Justice League. After all, Zack Snyder’s vision for Batman remains the most divisive among audiences. Nonetheless, many are excited to see how Affleck factors into The Flash.
Despite the exact plot has been kept under wraps, audiences know The Flash will loosely adapt Flashpoint and feature Ezra Miller’s Flash traveling through time and the multiverse. Muschietti has stressed that this will not be the Flashpoint story audiences are familiar with and will capture the story in broad strokes. Along the way, Flash will meet Supergirl (Sasha Calle) and Michael Keaton’s Batman. Keaton and the reprisal of his Tim Burton era Batman will likely represent the film’s primary Batman who assists Barry Allen. DC FanDome 2021 is set to offer audiences their official look at the highly anticipated DCEU film.
Consequently, due to the scant information available, news of Affleck’s involvement in the project has given rise to vast speculation on the nature of his role. Now, Affleck’s recent comments on The Flash may provide audiences with some answers. While he was obviously unable to give away too many hints about the project, what he does share is quite revealing. Fortunately, it seems Affleck had nothing but good to say about his experience on the film and even signals the actor he spent the majority of his time with. Identifying who Affleck spent his time with on set provides insight into his role.
Throughout Ben Affleck’s conversation with Variety, he repeatedly emphasizes the “lovely” time he had onset. This is in stark contrast with his experience on Justice League, which he felt was a “difficult” experience. Moreover, Affleck’s remarks indicate he had a lot of fun returning to the role. This likely means Affleck, whose Batman could potentially meet Keaton's, still holds a passion for the character and his journey. Additionally, it also suggests that Andy Muschietti’s vision of the Dark Knight aligned with that which Affleck originally signed on to take part in. Perhaps Affleck was given the opportunity to render a sense of closure to his time as Batman.
No matter what the case may be, Ben Affleck’s enjoyable experience on set supports the broader understanding that Andy Muschietti’s set was a fun place to be. Keaton has also been making the rounds talking up his return to the cowl. It’s customarily a favorable sign when actors have fun on set because it suggests a creatively rich environment. Statements like this are often made in regard to The Suicide Squad's James Gunn’s sets and his fun action flicks. This sort of creative atmosphere in which actors and directors share chemistry and stay on the same page is essential to producing quality content.
Finally, perhaps the biggest revelation from Affleck’s recent Batman comments is his specific mention of working with Ezra Miller. He does not mention Michael Keaton or Sasha Calle. This could indicate Affleck’s Batman will not share screen time with Keaton’s Batman nor Supergirl. While disappointing, this would track with the current speculation that Affleck’s role will be limited to the film’s opening sequences and possibly the end of the film once Flash returns from the multiverse. Nonetheless, one thing is certain, Ben Affleck’s Batman will return in The Flash and Affleck enjoyed every minute.
