DC’s Extended Universe is off to a rocky start, and while films like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Suicide Squad have performed well financially, DC has yet to make a film that sits well with critics and fans alike. Ben Affleck — for his part as writer, director, and star or the upcoming solo Batman film — is well aware of the stakes, and he is making sure to take his time on the film to get it just right.
“There’s nothing I’d love more than to do, to direct a standalone, iconic, great Batman movie,” Affleck told New York Times contributing writer, Chip McGrath, at an event hosted by New York’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts recently. “But it’s been done … Chris Nolan did three really good movies, and I’m really mindful of that, so I’m not in any hurry to jam the mediocre movie down the pipe.”
“We still have to get a screenplay and get it together,” explained Affleck. The actor and director is currently co-writing a script with DC Extended Universe creative head Geoff Johns, who will be taking over creative control of the DC films from Batman v Superman director Zack Snyder. Rumors of the script’s plot have been swirling since the announcement, along with the reveal that actor Joe Manganiello will play Deathstroke. One rumor even suggests a massive breakout at Arkham in the start of the film, allowing Batman to face all of his greatest foes back-to-back.
Despite the poor reception to BvS earlier this year, Ben Affleck’s performance was considered by many to be a highlight of the film. Affleck explained that part of his reasoning for accepting the role was becauce he “wanted to do one of those [superhero] movies and get it right,” citing his role in 2003’s critically maligned Daredevil film. Despite the “alarm” some fans had over him playing Batman when the casting news was first announced, Affleck said it, “turned out okay.” He even goes as far to quote the meme, saying that if you get the chance, “You have to be Batman.”
