Having taken many years to finally get back on track after the departure of Zack Snyder, the DCEU has an expansive slate of projects lined up. From blockbuster theatrical sequels for established heroes to HBO Max original films and series, there will be no shortage of DC content in the near future.
But out of everything, Ezra Miller's long-awaited solo debut as The Flash may be the biggest of the bunch. The speedster's first theatrical standalone outing is set to finally explore DC's multiverse as fans are treated to the return of Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck as Batman, while Sasha Calle debuts as Supergirl.
With shooting underway across the U.K., there has been an abundance of behind-the-scenes shots of the entire cast, offering eager audiences a peek at what will hit theaters in November 2022.
Ever since it was initially announced, many DCEU fans have been anxiously awaiting the return of Ben Affleck's Batman in The Flash. Up until now, it has remained unclear how big the Oscar-winner's role will be, but recent evidence seems to have suggested Affleck may only be in for a brief role.
Ben Affleck's Batman Set for Brief Return
According to a recent tweet from industry insider KC Walsh of Geeks Worldwide, Batman actor Ben Affleck already wrapped on The Flash after only about one week of filming.
Based on this, it appears Affleck's role will only be in an extended cameo capacity and not a primary role as many fans had expected.
How Does Batfleck Fit into The Flash?
Ben Affleck's stunt double was spotted in costume riding the Batcycle on the Glasgow set of a Gotham City action sequence back in July. While it's clear the DCEU's caped crusader will be getting in on the heroic antics in some capacity, it seems as if it will be for little more than an extended cameo.
With The Flash set to serve as an adaptation of the reality-altering comic story Flashpoint, the speedster flick should have significant consequences on the DCEU going forward. Since Ben Affleck appears to be mostly done with his heroic role, this may be the perfect opportunity to leave Batfleck behind and bring in a new caped crusader.
Naturally, a critical part of this process would be offering Affleck's Dark Knight a farewell scene, which would explain his brief return which will likely happen early in the film. These scenes probably take place prior to Barry Allen's multiversal antics in a post-Justice League DCEU which sees the heroes interacting as newfound friends.
Going forward, rumors have suggested Michael Keaton's '80s Batman may be sticking around as the DCEU's caped crusader instead of Ben Affleck. Whoever takes on the role will probably only be as a side character since Robert Pattinson's alternate universe The Batman will seemingly serve as the Dark Knight's solo franchise for some time.
With shooting still underway, fans will have to wait until The Flash hits theaters on November 4, 2022, to discover the fate of Ben Affleck's beloved Batman.
