In the DC Movie Universe, it might just beBatmanstarBen Affleckwho brings balance to the force. At least, that’s what Warner Bros. is banking on as they recently announced the man will be co-writing, directing and acting in an as yet untitledBatmansolo movie that was not originally announced as part of the DCEU. Now, the studio is taking it a step further, officially makingAffleckan executive producer on the now in-production DC adventureJustice League.
Ben Affleckis the main lead inJustice League, reprising his role as billionaire Bruce Wayne, who sets out to bring a number ofMeta-Humanstogether to form this team of superheroes. InAffleck’s new role as an executive producer, he will be working closely with directorZack Synderand screenwriterChris Terrio. The hope is that he can steer this massive ship in the right direction, helping the creatives behind this next chapter in the DCEU find the right footing.
Many praisedBen Affleck’s Batmanas the best thing aboutDawn of Justice. While the movie wasn’t a bomb, it did not perform as well at the box office as some at the studio had hoped. And there seems to be a quiet changing of the guard as production shifts ever so slightly. Ben Affleck is also known for giving Warner Bros. somecritically acclaimed moviesoutside the superhero genre, which makes him one of the strongest storytellers currently occupying their lot. He’s proven his writing and directing abilities on such hit films asGone Baby Gone,The TownandArgo.
Argois especially notable as it won a Best Picture Oscar for the studio. That movie was written byJustice LeaguescribeTerrio, and Warner Bros. believes that the pair have a great understanding of each other’s process. It should be noted thatBen Affleckhas taken this new position of executive producer to show his support for directorZack Sndyer. At least according toDeadline. The filmmaker has come under fire for his treatment of these iconic superheroes. Some claim he doesn’t understand Superman at all, and hates this world as presented in the original comic books. The director even went as far as to have beloved comic book character Jimmy Olsen killed off in the early moments ofDawn of Justice, which rankled some fans quite a bit. Still,Affleckis reportedly standing by his man.
As theDCEUmoves forward, Warner Bros. hopes thatBen Affleckcan help shape the universe and what it will become. At this time, the soloBatmanmovie does not have a release date, but many speculate that it will fall into the August 16, 2025 slot that Warner Bros. recently reserved.Justice Leagueis currently shooting in London and will be in theaters November 2017.
