Oscar Winner Joins Man of Steel Sequel
When it was announced that Warner Bros. was looking for an older actor to play a seasoned Dark Knight in the Man of Steel sequel many names were batted around including Ben Affleck. Now they've made it official by stating in a press release that Affleck will indeed be paired against Henry Cavill in the informally titled 'Batman vs Superman' movie.
"We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics' most enduringly popular superheroes, 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, Warner Bros.' president of creative development and worldwide production.
"Ben provides an interesting counterbalance to Henry's Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him." - Zack Snyder
The surprising announcement should have brought great joy to fans but instead social media, Twitter especially, had a less than joyous response to the news.
The negative reaction was relentless and from all kinds of people; actors, athletes, comedians, comic book talent and media, political commentators, etc. I'm not exactly sure why. Some people joked his Boston accent would emerge and that would not be "wicked awesome."I knew he would be a polarizing choice despite the fact that in the ten years since his try as Daredevil he has matured into an amazing director and quality actor.
Affleck has been very deliberate and thoughtful about the projects he takes on. It's this more selective approach to his career that has enabled his comeback from box office flops like 'Gigli', 'Jersey Girl', and 'Paycheck.' He's more concerned about bringing a quality movie to audiences than just merely blockbusters. As a director he's taken movies with relatively small budgets and turned them into moneymakers. He knows what he's doing. He knows what audiences want. As an actor, both in his films and the smaller ones he's acted in, he gives honest nuanced performances that reflect how far he's grown.
He deserves a chance to make Batman his own and prove the naysayers wrong. There may be more to just the acting gig ahead for him as well. Speculation is growing that Warner Bros. will also want him to direct a solo Batman movie or even a Justice League movie, as was once rumored years ago. Warner Bros. would not make this decision lightly considering what it is at stake in the war of superhero movies between them, Marvel and Marvel licensees. At the same time, Affleck would not enter a franchise of this scope and magnitude in this stage of his career without being confident in the script and the people in charge. I'm sure Snyder and producer Christopher Nolan helped assuaged any of his fears.
Fanboys have been wrong about casting backlash before so this is no different. As we get closer to opening night on July 17, 2015 and footage gets leaked the same people complaining now will be the first ones in line. Affleck may not be the Batman we need but he certainly is the Batman we deserve. We're getting the best Affleck there's been.
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