Legion World Forums LEGION COMPANION The Anywhere Machine Ben Affleck as BATMAN?!

Ben Affleck to star as Batman opposite Henry Cavill as Superman.

And I thought that Bradley Cooper being cast as the voice of Rocket Raccoon in the Guardians of the Galaxy movie was going to be the surreal-superhero-casting-news-of-the-day.

Hahaha! You guys are such jokers. Next thing you'll be telling me is Jack Black has been cast as Green Lantern!

With Affleck as Batman does that mean we automatically get Matt Damon in the role of Robin?

This feels like such a step back for Affleck who has finally emerged as a top tier film-maker and director in the last few years, as well as a more subtle and strong actor.

Likewise, it feels like a step back for Batman.

But hey, when it comes out if its awesome, I'd be thrilled.

I can remember thinking there was no way Michael Keaton could play Batman. Turns out I liked what he did. To me it wasn't that Affleck was so terrible as Daredevil, but that Daredevil just wasn't a very good movie. I haven't seen Gigli, but I have seen Argo and The Town, and I thought he did a good job in both. I think I'm going to cautiously reserve my judgement on this one...but I do understand others concerns.

*fingers crossed & hopeful*

Opinion: Why Ben Affleck was the "safe choice" to play Batman.

I was going to post, and liken Affleck to... and had a brain fart. (the guy on tv Adam West was the name I'd forgotten) So I googled and found this



Sounds like we've come full circle.

KLINTON SPILSBURY!

This makes me very worried for the future of this film. The concept feels like something that will either be a blockbuster or a total bust. A divided fandom won't help things.

Doesn't look like they're aiming for that 18-35 demographic. Maybe Didio picked Affleck to appeal to the 45 year olds.

It could always be worse -- think Nicolas Cage or James Franco.

There would be riots.

Deadpool as Green Lantern. Daredevil as Batman.

Is the contingent of actors willing to appear in super-hero films really that small?

What next? Natalie Portman as Wonder Woman?

Human Torch as Captain America worked out ok....

I haven't seen Ben Affleck act in anything since Daredevil, so I have no idea how or if he's grown as an actor.

But, just based on things where I have seen him (Daredevil, Dogma), he's *got* to be a livelier Bruce than Christian Bale was. I get that Batman himself is an emotionally constipated lump of meat and violence in an animal-themed costume, but Bruce Wayne at least should be a bit charming and suave and interesting, even if it's all a ruse, and Bruce is Batman's 'mask.'

Bale managed to make Keanu Reeves look like the most emotionally expressive actor of the year, with his deadly dull interpretation of Bruce Wayne.

I can see it now, Sam Worthington as Superman, Christian Bale as Batman, Megan Fox as Wonder Woman, Keanu Reeves as Green Lantern, Ryan Gosling as the Flash. The Justice League can just clench their jaws, furrow their brows** and stare vacuously at each other for two and a half hours, since none of them can emote their way out of a paper bag.

And Set will be there throwing popcorn at the screen, yelling, "You each just got paid 200,000 dollars for this! Act, damn you! Act!"

**I kid. While three out of five of those actors can clench their jaws, I'm pretty sure that none of them have mastered the subtle complexities off the brow-furrow...

Affeck has emerged as a fantastic actor, director and writer since his days as America's wonder boy in the post-Goodwill Hunting years. He's actually one of Hollywood's better people to have involved in any project. Anyone who says otherwise, simply doesn't know what they're talking about.

The first major signs of his Ben showcasing his talent and focusing on projects that do that instead of play on he inherently stupid idea of celebrity was ironically enough Hollywoodland where he plays George Reeves, the 1940's/50's Superman. He delivers a fantastic moody and nuanced performance. Though he's not the lead by any means, he steals the movie.

Since then he's had a few similar grade A performances. But what is most noteworthy is that starting with The Town he showed off his skills as a grade A director, creating one of the better crime movies in the last 10 years. He also co-wrote the script and was the lead actor...two other jobs he excelled at.

It's already apparent that Affleck may become one of those film makers whose a better director than actor, like Clint Eastwood...though I think his acting shouldn't be shunted to the side either. In Argo he delivered an even better directing effort and one of his best performances as an actor to date. There's really no way to overstate how great a job he did.

So anything being said on the Internet about him being a bad actor is coming from uninformed people (or just idiots). He's a great. But earlier in his career, especially after he and Matt Damon became the golden boys, he found himself a part of a plethora of projects that were beneath his skill where he probably didn't believe in what he was doing. Plus he was then still trying to cash in on his new found success and was addicted to drugs. A lot has changed since then, started with him making better choices about how he can showcase his talent.

Wow. Believe it or not (see my avatar) I did not know this

^ Based on something that really happened to George Reeves.

Set: [snip]






Love ya' now and forever, Set.

This is comedy gold as well!

I don't think there's anything on Affleck's acting resume that would make someone an "idiot" for saying he's not a "great" actor. There wouldn't have been this response if he was anywhere near great. He's serviceable, in the right part. MAYBE he's even grown and will get there but he's not shown to be a prodigy actor in any sense.

Director? Writer? Bruce Wayne? All seem within the realm. He can make points on the Batman part by leaving the gravel out of his voice and doing some sit-ups. He's got height in his favor.

I'm sure he can get the physique if he works hard enough. He has access to the best trainers and nutritionists out there anyway. Acting the part will be harder, since there's no one set formula he has to follow. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt rather than go all up in arms.

Getting up in arms is good sport. When it involves Hollywood, I consider it no harm, no foul.

On the other hand, can't really think of anyone else to play to the role so...

Well, you know celebrities, they love making us all mad so they can get more attention.