Ben Affleck is Batman

[BatmAngelus]

I finally saw Good Will Hunting for the first time about a week ago.  While I don't expect Affleck to channel his Chuckie Sullivan character into his Bruce Wayne/Batman, I was more curious about the fact that Affleck and Matt Damon co-wrote the screenplay and won the Oscar for it, especially since Affleck may be up for writing/directing a solo Batman film in the future.

What struck me the most was that, in the movie, they did something that should seem familiar to Batman fans. 

At one point, Affleck has a speech about how he always wished that Damon would move away from home and start a new life:
(NSFW Language)

At the end, Damon fulfills his friend's fantasy as he leaves his hometown to be with the girl he loves (to a score by Danny Elfman):

That's right, guys.  Affleck was the "Alfred" to Damon's "Bruce" in Good Will Hunting, a good fifteen years before The Dark Knight Rises was released.    (And if you ask me, Affleck and Damon did the better version).

[Silver Nemesis]

Kevin Smith actually discussed the Good Will Hunting connection during a podcast last year. From the 13:03 mark.

[The Laughing Fish]

Batfleck is reported to be "weary" and "tired" according WB's president. I assume it means a cynical Batman who distrusts Superman?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/09/12/batman-ben-affleck-tired-weary/2807467/

In other news, it looks like Snyder's regular cinematographer Larry Fong will be behind the camera again. I wonder if we'll get that unique imagery like in Watchmen and Sucker Punch (despite I don't like either of those films)?

www.iamrogue.com/news/movie-news/item/9677-larry-fong-to-shoot-zack-snyders-superman-vs-batman.html

[Edd Grayson]

I take it that this Batman will be an older, experienced crimefighter, even to the point of becoming an anti-hero to contrast with the "beginner" Superman from MoS?

[BatmAngelus]

Ben Affleck finally commented on his casting on Jimmy Fallon's show.  Relevant discussion is at 1:43:

[The Laughing Fish]

Ben Affleck will make Batman cool again, says Anthony Mackie


Anthony Mackie has praised the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman in the Superman vs Batman movie.

Affleck will star as Batman opposite Henry Cavill's Superman in director Zack Snyder's Man of Steel sequel.

Mackie - who will play Falcon in Marvel movie Captain America: The Winter Soldier - recently told E! News that his Runner, Runner co-star will bring a new energy to the Caped Crusader.

"I think [his casting is] great," Mackie commented. "My favourite Batman was Michael Keaton because he made Batman like an everyday guy we can relate to."

He continued: "I feel like the last few [actors playing] Batman have been lost in trepidation that you really can't relate to.

"So I feel like Ben Affleck - what makes him a star is he has that everyman quality. I feel like he is going to bring that back to Batman and make him cool again."

Read more: http://www.digitalspy.com.au/movies/news/a517229/ben-affleck-will-make-batman-cool-again-says-anthony-mackie.html#ixzz2fiWPhoHd

I guess Mackie wasn't a fan of Bale's portrayal either. Can't really blame him. 

But in all seriousness, I'm fascinated about his insight about Keaton having an everyman approach. I always thought he was the only live-action actor to have conveyed emotion appropriately (i.e. the menacing look he gives, letting his body doing the talking with minimal speaking etc). I hope that Affleck's will resemble more like Keaton's, though I'd be happy to see him disguise himself in public as a cocky billionaire Bruce Wayne too.

[johnnygobbs]

It's cool to read that Mackie is a fan of Keaton's Batman.  It seems like heresy these days to stick one's neck out publically and profess a preference for the Burton/Keaton Batman or anything remotely critical or less than unequivocally celebratory about the Nolan/Bale Batman so good on Mackie for stating his mind.    I wonder how the hardcore Nolan-fans will react to this.

I do agree that Keaton uniquely brought a more relatable, everyman quality to the character however, I don't necessarily want to see Affleck do the same with the part, not least because I think Affleck has a real shot at accurately capturing the Batman/Bruce Wayne of the comic-books, confident, aloof socialite and all.

[Azrael]

a bit OT, but a great read. It discusses the reaction to Affleck's casting, among other things.

Fan Entitlement Vs Fan Passion

[Wayne49]

Treatment, treatment, treatment. I think the history of this character has proven it's not necessarily the actor chosen, but the treatment applied that determines it's success. Actually the most high profile fan uproars over actors picked to play Batman have never panned out at the box office. Ironically I never heard much fuss over Clooney when he was selected and we all know how badly that cratered in theaters. But Clooney has gone on to have a very successful and lucrative acting career today. Interesting since most actors have spiraled out of demand after their stent in the role.

What makes Affleck a provocative pick are the colorful flops on his resume. And these types of movies are not his strong suit. And with the current depictions suggesting Batman will be a "tired" and "weary" hero, I cringe a bit wondering if Affleck will overact the part. Playing Batman typically requires little more than a grimace. But if Affleck has to denote some kind of angst with social commentary, we then begin to tread on painfully thin ice that borders on camp. It's one thing to provide a state of mind in the cowl. But to engage in a dialogue between two heroes is tricky business. I'm certainly not saying it can't be done. Joss Whedon proved it can be done with the Avengers. But he has a unique gift for gab when it comes to characters in outrageous situations. The key word to this film is pretty simple - balance. Can Snyder balance the tone of the picture without overstepping into campy material? This is a much bigger challenge than I think many are realizing. The treatment will have to be very clever in it's approach. Will be interesting to watch this unfold.

[The Laughing Fish]

These rumours are getting ridiculous now - Affleck wants Larry David as Mr Myxlplyx?! 

If that were to happen, I'd expect Superman and Batman to stare suspiciously at each other for a minute ala Curb Your Enthusiasm. 



That would be comedy gold.

Source: http://www.mstarz.com/articles/20048/20131008/man-steel-2-2015-ben-affleck-larry-david-batman-vs.htm