Ben Affleck's Batman: New Details Revealed About the Never-Filmed DC Movie
Affleck was slated to direct and write the screenplay
Before Robert Pattinson played the Dark Knight in "The Batman" and upheld law and order in Gotham, Ben Affleck was actually supposed to get his own solo project as Batman. As is well known, the DC film never materialized. In his new biography, "Bloodlines", Joe Manganiello has now revealed – according to Entertainment Weekly – what audiences would have originally seen. Manganiello, who played the villain Deathstroke in the DCEU at the time, was set to portray the central antagonist in Affleck's "Batman" film. Affleck himself not only wanted to play Bruce Wayne again, but also to write the screenplay, direct, and serve as a producer.
Deathstroke vs. Bruce Wayne
According to Manganiello's account, the film was intended to differ significantly from classic superhero adventures. Affleck reportedly described the project to him as a sort of superhero version of David Fincher's "The Game". The story would have centered on Deathstroke's personal vendetta against Batman. According to Manganiello, Slade Wilson would have been convinced that Batman was responsible for his son's death. As a result, Deathstroke would have sought not only to defeat the Dark Knight but also to systematically destroy Bruce Wayne's entire life.
Apparently, this would have affected even Batman's closest confidants. Commissioner Gordon, who was played by J. K. Simmons in the DC Universe at the time, was to be killed by Deathstroke. Alfred Pennyworth, once again portrayed by Jeremy Irons, would have fallen into the mercenary's hands as a hostage. Even the Batcave would have been affected.
Batgirl's Appearance
Batgirl would apparently have played a role in the story as well. About halfway through the film, a major battle was set to take place in which Deathstroke would nearly defeat both Batman and Batgirl. The two heroes would ultimately have managed to escape via an above-ground train. Leslie Grace was originally cast for a standalone "Batgirl" film in the former DC Extended Universe. Although the film was largely completed, Warner Bros. Discovery decided against releasing it.
Grand Finale Planned in Gotham
Affleck apparently had ambitious plans for the showdown. The finale was to take place on the streets of Gotham, pitting Batman and Deathstroke against each other once again. Among other things, a CGI fight sequence from the video game "Batman: Arkham Asylum" – in which director Tim Miller was involved – served as inspiration. Manganiello was enthusiastic about Affleck's plans. He said Affleck's work on films like "The Town" in particular had given him high hopes. The actor apparently even believed that Affleck's "Batman" would have had the potential to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. At the same time, Manganiello pointed out to Affleck just how daunting the task would have been.
Why the Film Never Happened
Affleck had made his debut as Bruce Wayne in 2016 in Zack Snyder's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice". Even back then, there were plans for a standalone Batman film in which the actor was to both direct and star. However, the project turned into a real nightmare, which is why Affleck withdrew from production. In 2019, he explained in an interview with Jimmy Kimmel that he ultimately couldn't bring the project to life the way he had envisioned it.
Later, Affleck spoke openly about how his time as the Dark Knight coincided with personal struggles. In particular, his battle with alcohol ultimately led him to step away from the project. He reprised his role as Batman in "Zack Snyder's Justice League" in 2021, before bidding farewell to the character in 2023 with "The Flash". The cancellation of Affleck's original Batman film ultimately led to Matt Reeves taking over and directing "The Batman", a completely new interpretation of the Dark Knight that is independent of the DCEU. Robert Pattinson took on the role of Bruce Wayne for the first time.
