Report: Ben Affleck explains why he's done playing Batman
What's the story
Ben Affleck, the Oscar-winning actor, has announced that he will not be reprising his role as Batman in any future DC Universe films.
Affleck first donned the cape in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and continued his stint with Justice League (2017) and The Flash (2023).
However, in a recent interview with GQ, the actor described his experience as "excruciating."
Career reflection
Affleck's 'bad experience' and 'losing interest' in superhero genre
Affleck, who is currently on the promotional tour for The Accountant 2, said his decision isn't just because of his "bad experience," but he's also "lost interest in what was of interest about it to me."
He added, "I certainly wouldn't want to replicate an experience like that."
"There are a number of reasons why that was a really excruciating experience," Affleck said.
Personal accountability
Affleck also took some responsibility for his 'bad experience'
However, Affleck also took some responsibility for his "bad experience" as Batman, citing a "misalignment of agendas, understandings, expectations."
He revealed that he brought "a lot of unhappiness" to work during that time, affecting his performance.
"I mean, my failings as an actor, you can watch the various movies and judge," Affleck continued, further explaining his struggles during that period.
Personal challenges
Affleck's personal struggles during Batman filming
Affleck also spoke about his own demons while shooting for Batman v Superman. He was getting divorced from Jennifer Garner and was also fighting alcoholism.
He announced in March 2017, he had completed treatment for alcohol addiction.
"I had my own failings, significant failings, in that process and at that time," he said.
New venture
Affleck's production company and desire for better work experiences
Affleck started his production company, Artists Equity, to ensure better experiences on set.
"I want to put together partnerships and filmmakers and cast and a studio apparatus that's aligned, where precisely that kind of misalignment doesn't happen and you have a much better work experience," he said.
Despite his challenges, he liked playing a "sort of older, broken, damaged Bruce Wayne," but it wasn't what the DC Universe or the studio wanted.
Character analysis
Affleck's insights on character portrayal and audience reception
Affleck revealed his thoughts on the portrayal of Batman, stating that it began to skew too old for a large portion of the audience.
He remembered that even his son was very scared to watch the movie, which made him realize there was a problem.
"Then you have two entities, two people really wanting to do something different, and that is a really bad recipe," he concluded.