Matt Reeves’The Batmanwas originally to be directed byBen Affleckand follow his version of the character as he goes toe to toe with Deathstroke. However, he droppedThe Batmanprojectbecause of many reasonsand handed it over to Matt Reeves, who himself stated thatthe Ben Affleck movie script was James Bond-ian. It is likely that Ben Affleck will hang up to cowl for good after his cameo appearance inThe Flash,even ifEzra Miller has fans thinking otherwise.
Affleck’s casting caused a rift in the fandom almost immediately, and whenBatman v. Superman: Dawn of Justicecame out in 2016, this rift only grew stronger. Ben Affleck’s take has plenty of supporters but also an equal amount of critics, with the biggest complaint being how violent his Batman can get.
Updated, July 12, 2025: In honor of Batman Day coming up, this article has been updated with more information on what makes Affleck’s Batman so great.
Batman is one of the most beloved characters in all fiction. The great thing is there can be countless different interpretations of him because he can be interpreted in so many ways; with so many different comic books and authors to draw from, Batman is basically a fluid archetype. While there is no one right way to do Batman, Affleck’s Batman offers a unique interpretation. Incomparison to the other Batman actors, the Ben Affleck movies' very dark and bleak portrayal is actually very accurate to the Frank Miller-era Dark Knight, and maybe the best example of this version coming to life. For all the faults of the DCEU, here is what Affleck’s Batman got right.
Fear Warps His Mind
More than any other Batman, Affleck’s Batman might be the most psychologically tormented. Even after being a crime fighter for years, he still struggles with nightmares he cannot shake. WhileBatman ForeverandBatman Beginsshow Bruce Wayne suffering from nightmares, Affleck’s Batman is as controlled by fear as he is, using it as a weapon against his criminals.
Bruce sees firsthand the destruction of Metropolis after Superman’s fight with Zod. His fear of Suerman drives him to distrust him, very much like how Batman has a plan to take down every member of the Justice League. Other Batman films have not had to operate in a world of superheroes, so Affleck, being a mortal man in a world full of gods, responds to this with fear and paranoia. This might not be entirely heroic, but it fits Batman intothe anti-hero status fans love.
It is much easier to say that Batman has always been a hero who doesn’t let the darkness overtake him, but the way this version challenges fans is by showing them that the darkness has been the case all along.
To Kill Or Not To Kill
Perhaps the biggest controversy is Ben Affleck’s Batman’s willingness to kill. Batman’s no-kill rule is a major part of some interpretations of Batman. Again, some.While other versions of the character have taken lives, notably Michael Keaton’s Batman and Christian Bale’s causing indirect death without blinking an eye with the “I’m not going to kill you, but I don’t have to save you.” loophole, there is something troubling about the way Affleck’s Batman kills without remorse.
There is a dramatic point to Affleck’s Batman being such a violent killer; it is supposed to show how hard he has fallen from the ideal image of Batman. Yet the biggest issue is that he continues to kill throughout the movie even after he has his moment of clarity. This is a very dark and deadly Batman. It seems like he is nothing more than a straight menace, right? Well, this depends on how fans perceive his arc.
Batwings Of Redemption
Bruce Wayne has given up on humanity. Only after seeing this god-like Superman, who he once saw as a threat, sacrifice himself without a second thought does he realize the error of his ways. When he is shown inJustice League, he has something theBatman v. Supermanversion didn’t have: hope. For the first time, arguably since his parents died, Bruce Wayne doesn’t see the world through a dark lens. He sees the good, and he realizes that it’s what he wants to protect.
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Does this redemption excuse the way he acted before? This is where the challenge comes in. Fans aren’t wrong in saying this version of Batman is far too dark because he is supposed to be. Fans should ask if he is truly a hero or a menace who deserves to be locked away in Arkham. The movie lays out all the pieces, and fans can piece them together as they see fit. Every other version of Batman is shown to be a straight hero. He may be a little dark at times, but he is essentially a good guy.
General Appearance And Skills
On an aesthetic level,Affleck’s version of the Caped Crusader is the closest to the comics. His cloth-looking outfit is the closest to capturing the look of the character’s comic book outfit since most film versions have opted for a black armored look. Affleck’s suit, both at the beginning and end ofBatman v. Superman, is lifted straight from Frank Miller’sDark Knight Returns.
However, more than just looks, Ben’s Dark Knight lived up to his incredibly skilled fighter reputation by easily taking down criminals and being the number one feared figure in Gotham. This version’s fighting style is inBatman v. Superman: Dawn of Justicewas almost an exact recreation of his fighting style in the popularArkhamgames. Meanwhile, The Flash showcased a more aerobatic Batman, one that was making moves straight out of the comic books that most film versions have stayed away from.
An Amazing Team Player
One major but overlooked character aspect of Batman is the fact that he is a team player. While the original Tim Burton movies and Christopher Nolan’s avoid Batman’s sidekicks, not only does Affleck’s Batman supposedly have a history of sidekicks, but that plays out in his relationship and working dynamic with his fellow heroes. He might startBatman v. Supermanas a lone warrior, but his arc is about finding a way to open himself up to others, similar to his comic book counterpart who not only has an entire supporting cast ofcrime fighters called the Bat-Familybut various friendships with other DC heroes.
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Nowhere is this more apparent than in his two biggest DCEU relationships: Wonder Woman and The Flash. With Wonder Woman, there is a flirtatious dynamic between Wonder Woman and Bruce Wayne. Not only is this keeping with the DC Animated Universe, but it implies that Bruce Wayne can maybe be in a happy relationship.
Meanwhile, audiences see Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne have a mentor relationship with The Flash. This is a Bruce Wayne who has taught a Robin, so it makes sense for him to step into the role of a mentor and father figure for someone like Barry Allen, who has also had their family taken away from him. Bruce Wayne as a mentor and father figure is an element the films have overlooked, and one audience will see more in theupcoming DCU film,The Brave and the Bold.
