Ben Affleck Says He Was 'Reluctant' to Play Batman at First

By: Oct. 26, 2013
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In an interview with 411mania.com, Ben Affleck talked about his first reaction to director Zack Snyder's offer to play Batman in the upcoming MAN OF STEEL sequel.

"Initially I was reluctant as I felt I didn't fit the traditional mold," Affleck said, "but once Zack showed me the concept, and that it would be both different from the great movies that Chris and Christian made but still in keeping with tradition I was excited. Doing something different and new is always tricky and part of the thrill and the risk is that initially it confounds expectations. The truth is, it's the movie and the execution of it is what all the actors depend on and I believe in Zack's vision."

Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder's as-yet-untitled project-bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director's vision of their universe, which he established in MAN OF STEEL.

Affleck will star opposite Henry Cavill, who will reprise the role of Superman/Clark Kent. The film will also reunite "Man of Steel" stars Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The upcoming Batman film will hit theaters on July 17, 2015.

Affleck, who will next be starring in and directing a new geopolitical thriller for Warner Bros., recently starred in the Academy Award-winning Best Picture "Argo," which he also directed and produced, earning acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination for his performance in the film, as well as a number of directing honors. In 2010, he starred in and directed the hit crime thriller "The Town."

His recent acting work also includes "The Company Men," "State of Play," and "Hollywoodland," for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Earlier in his career, Affleck starred in and co-wrote (with Matt Damon) "Good Will Hunting," for which he won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Affleck has also inked deals to lead David Fincher's big-screen adaptation of "Gone Girl," and to play Batman in Zack Snyder's upcoming sequel to "Man of Steel."

Photo Credit: Stewart Cook/Everett Collection/Picture Perfect - Rex USA



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