Ben Affleck Will Play Batman In Warner Bros. Superman-Batman Film

Image via CSIS_ER / Flickr

Move over, Christian Bale. Like, way over.

After weeks of the Internet tossing around names (Jake Gyllenhaal! Ryan Gosling! Hayden Christensen!), Warner Bros. announced on Thursday that Ben Affleck has been cast as Batman in the new Batman-Superman movie—the first time ever Superman and Batman will be on the big screen to continue their crime fighting together. The action flick will be a sequel to the Superman movie released this summer, Man of Steel, starring British actor Henry Cavill. The expected release date is July 17, 2015.

“We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character,” Greg Silverman stated, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production at Warner Bros.

The beloved Christian Bale, who is Bruce Wayne in the Dark Knight trilogy, announced that he would not return to his role as Batman earlier this year in spite of being offered inflated pay incentives to reprise his role.

But according to Deadline, Affleck is expected to create an entirely new incarnation of the character of Batman. Director Zack Snyder’s creative intention is to institute his own vision of this superb universe, therefore Affleck’s version of Batman will be “original”.

So does this mean the Bruce Wayne that Christian Bale established will completely uncharted and left behind? Obviously not. The character of Batman has an essence—obligatory Batman-ish characteristics that cannot be eradicated regardless of the actor and director. When you think of Batman, it’s not like you’re thinking of the actor that plays Ron Weasley. But do expect a fresh take from Affleck. He wins Academy Awards for a reason.

The one odd aspect of Warner Bros.’ reprise of Batman pertains to the supporting roles in the Dark Knight trilogy. Should we expect that Joseph Gordon-Levitt will return as Robin? And Michael Caine as Alfred? After all, they should still be entitled to these parts even if Christian Bale ditched his. But at the same time, wouldn’t it be strange to see these actors return to their roles and duties in this super-heroic world without the same lead superhero? Moreover, wouldn’t bringing back these actors also contradict Snyder’s intention of instituting his own vision of this superhero universe?

Either way, even though Warner Bros. has finally found its new Batman, it still looks like they’re in need of some configuring. Stay tuned.

Also, this already exists and has 14,000 followers. Thanks, Internet!

https://twitter.com/AffleckBatman/status/370731039049515008