Looks Like Ben Affleck Won’t Be the DCEU’s Movie Batman Much Longer

Well that was over quickly. For all the furor over the “Batfleck” in the first place, it seems that Ben Affleck isn’t going to be in the role of the caped crusader much longer. That probably has those who were never thrilled with the idea in the first place feeling pretty relieved, but what does it mean for the future of Batman in the DCEU?

The news comes by way of The Hollywood Reporter, and though it’s not exactly an official announcement, it also isn’t terribly surprising. The creative process on Affleck’s The Batman (not just any Batman) solo outing has looked pretty tumultuous from the outside, with Affleck stepping down as director before seeing Matt Reeves, who took over those duties, throw out Affleck’s script for something else.

Reeves has said that Affleck will still be his Batman—as well as still appearing in the role in Justice Leage later this year—but with word of a Reeves starting a brand new Batman movie trilogy in the DCEU floating around, it’s not out of the question that Affleck’s Bruce Wayne could hang up his cape and cowl and let a younger, less world-weary Batman take up the role. Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy already hinted at such a thing at the end of The Dark Knight Rises, so it would be interesting to see a movie universe that already started off with an older Batman actually make that change.

Who would take over, though? The DCEU is just getting started and has only so far introduced Batman himself in a movie with two other heroes, so it’s hard to say who they’d go with at this point, but there are certainly options. They could go with original Robin, Nightwing, and eventual Batman in his own right Dick Grayson. Damian Wayne, Bruce’s son, is another choice who’s gotten his turn as Batman in the comics, albeit in an issue set 15 years in the future.

Then, there’s probably a less likely alternative:

Batman Beyond’s Terry McGinnis. (image: Warner Bros.)

That one’s probably a long shot, but Batman Beyond is still a well-liked part of the DC animated universe—which also contains the best Batman in the form of Batman: TAS, and I won’t hear otherwise—so it could be an unexpected yet crowd-pleasing choice. Or all of this could be for naught, and rumors of Batfleck’s demise could be greatly exaggerated, so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens on this one.

If Affleck were to pass on his mantle, who would you prefer to take over—character and/or actor? Let the flame wars begin.

(via Pajiba, image: Warner Bros.)

Want more stories like this? Become a subscriber and support the site!

—The Mary Sue has a strict comment policy that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults toward anyone, hate speech, and trolling.—