Ben Affleck's Batman: Storyboard Artist Says Solo Movie Would've Made Fans Proud

By Pierre Chanliau Posted: January 04, 2021

Despite previous rumors of Ben Affleck having been offered to return as Batman for HBO Max, it seems like the two Batmen moving forward in the DCEU will be Michael Keaton and Robert Pattinson. Affleck will be returning in The Flash for a small role, but it seems like it will be his last as this iteration of the character, at least for the foreseeable future.

Deathstroke actor Joe Manganiello had described Ben Affleck's Batman movie as having had “a strong David Fincher vibe” and that “it was really cool, really dark and really hard... I was very excited for it.” Someone who was equally excited for Affleck's solo Batman movie was the project's sole storyboard artist, who worked closely with Affleck during the filming of Justice League. Accordi

NEWS

Jay Oliva, storyboard artist for Wonder Woman and Justice League, disputed film critic Scott Mendelson's claim that Ben Affleck left his role as Bruce Wayne because he “didn't want to be Batman anymore.”

Oliva further states that he had worked closely with Ben Affleck and that “his version of Batman in his solo movie would have made fans proud.”

I'm curious where you got this info from Scott? Did Ben tell you this because I was working with him personally just prior to him leaving the project and not once did he seem like he didn't want to be Batman. His version of Batman in his solo movie would have mad fans proud.

Oliva clarifies to another user that he was the only artist working with Affleck on his Batman film and that he would show Affleck scenes he drew for it as he was filming Justice League in London.

Hi Dave! I was the only artist doing boards with Ben on his Batman film. I was showing him scenes on set while he was shooting JL in London. Other than Ben himself I don’t see who Scott could have talked to who would know Ben’s reasons for leaving the project.

WHAT THIS MEANS

Many who have worked with Warner Bros., like Zack Snyder and Joe Manganiello, wish that Ben Affleck had made his Batman film before leaving director's chair and role to Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson. Perhaps Ben Affleck's Batman movie could be adapted as a comic book, much like how Snyder would like to see his Justice League story continued in the same format.

Whatever the case may be for the future, it seems very unlikely that Affleck will return as Bruce Wayne after what will be the character's apparent swansong in Ezra Miller's The Flash.

The advertising campaign for Zack Snyder's Justice League doesn't seem too intense thus far. Unless it boosts subscriber numbers comparatively or more than Wonder Woman 1984, there isn't much chance besides seeing Affleck return to the role.

- About The Author: Pierre Chanliau

Pierre Chanliau began as a news & feature writer for The Direct at the site's launch in 2020. As a longtime reader of superhero comic books, Pierre's knowledge of Marvel and DC is extensive, informing his reporting and editorial pieces regarding the MCU and DCU.

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