The Flash is set to bring the multiverse into the forefront of the DCEU, bringing back classic characters from DC canon while also introducing new ones into the mix.
Directed by Andy Muschietti (IT), the upcoming solo superhero film will explore the origins of Ezra Miller's Scarlet Speedster by adapting the famous comic book storyline known as Flashpoint. This narrative follows Barry Allen as he successfully travels back in time to save his mother from dying, but upon returning to the present, the world is forever changed.
Instead of an alternate look at the DCEU, The Flash will deal with the ramifications by introducing the multiverse. Aside from Miller's Barry Allen, the film is set to showcase the return of Kiersey Clemons' Iris West and Ben Affleck's Batman, but there's an additional twist.
Michael Keaton's Batman from Tim Burton's highly-talked-about Dark Knight films will make a comeback in the film while Sasha Calle will also make her debut as Supergirl.
In addition, an alternate version of the main Barry Allen was spotted, seemingly hinting that Miller's version will end up on a new Earth.
Now, a fresh look at Affleck's Caped Crusader has been revealed.
BEN AFFLECK'S BATMAN RETURNS IN THE FLASH
A brand-new batch of set photos from the Glasgow production of The Flash was revealed on Twitter, featuring the stunt double for Ben Affleck's Batman suited up and riding the Batcycle:
🚨Primeiras imagens do Batman de Ben Affleck no filme de The Flash pic.twitter.com/mnalj6IYcR
Meanwhile, a set video shows the DCEU's Batman patrolling the streets of Gotham:
He’s on the streets of Gotham City … Glasgow pic.twitter.com/jR0ewZMejQ
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO BEN AFFLECK'S BATMAN
This new batch of set photos essentially confirms that Ben Affleck's Batman will be in action during The Flash. This also marks the first time that the DCEU's Batman will use the Batcycle, especially after The Dark Knight utilized his Batmobile and Batwing in his previous outings.
Scrapped concept art from Justice League confirmed that the Batcycle was once considered to be used in the team-up film, but it is not close to the design of this latest iteration. Despite that, the fact that this vehicle will be used in the film further cements the idea that the DCEU's Batman has a lot of weapons under his belt.
Considering that a good chunk of The Flash is expected to deal with the multiverse, it's possible that this scene involving Affleck's stunt double could be used in the early moments of the film.
Zack Snyder's Justice League and even the theatrical cut of the film established the bond between Ezra Miller's Barry Allen and Affleck's Bruce Wayne, and this could hint that this relationship will carry over in the solo film. It's possible that Bruce Wayne will talk to Barry during the early moments of The Flash about family, and this could serve as a launchpad for his decision to travel back in time to save his mother.
It is unknown how big of a role Affleck's Batman will have in The Flash, but it's possible that this could be his final hurrah as the Caped Crusader of the DCEU. If this is the case, then there could be a passing-of-the-torch moment between Affleck and Keaton in the film, and it will definitely be an emotional one due to the close relationship of Barry to his Justice League mentor.
The Flash is set to premiere in theaters on November 4, 2022.
