Ben Affleck Expresses Disinterest in Future Superhero Roles.

Following a challenging tenure as Batman, Affleck reveals he has “lost interest” in the superhero genre and is focusing on new creative projects.

Ben Affleck, the actor who became famous for his portrayal of Batman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), recently opened up about his future in the superhero genre, stating that he has “lost interest” in taking on any more roles as a caped crusader or other comic-book characters. Affleck’s journey as the Dark Knight began with his first appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and he went on to star in Suicide Squad (2016), Justice League (2017), and more recently in The Flash (2023). However, Affleck’s time as Batman has been far from easy, and he admits that these experiences ultimately dampened his enthusiasm for future superhero roles.

A Challenging Experience as Batman

Affleck has never shied away from discussing the personal and professional challenges he faced while portraying Bruce Wayne/Batman. Reflecting on the troubled production of Justice League, he admitted that the process was “excruciating” for him, citing the mismatch of creative visions and personal struggles as contributing factors. Affleck has spoken in past interviews about the toll that playing Batman took on him, and in this most recent one, he admitted that his experience with the character was not what he had initially hoped for. He mentioned how the pressure of portraying such a beloved character, coupled with production difficulties, led to a significant amount of unhappiness on set, ultimately affecting his outlook on the superhero genre.

“It was a difficult experience. I don’t think I ever thought of it as a role I would keep pursuing,” Affleck shared. His feelings of dissatisfaction with how things unfolded during filming led him to step away from any future superhero roles, including his planned solo Batman film, which was ultimately scrapped.

A Disconnect Between Batman and the Audience

Another aspect that Affleck touched upon was the disconnect between his portrayal of Batman and the audience, particularly younger viewers. He noted that his version of Batman—an older, more battle-hardened version of the character—was not as well-received by younger fans who were accustomed to a more traditional, heroic version of the iconic superhero. His portrayal of the older, grittier Batman might have alienated some viewers, as Affleck recalls his own son finding his portrayal of the character “too scary” to watch.

“Some of the tone we were going for was a little too intense for younger audiences,” Affleck remarked. This feedback, alongside his personal struggles on set, further solidified his decision to walk away from the superhero genre.

Focusing on New Ventures and Creative Projects

Now, with the Batman chapter behind him, Ben Affleck is turning his attention toward new, exciting projects. One of his main focuses is his production company, Artists Equity, which he co-founded with his longtime friend and collaborator Matt Damon. This company aims to revolutionize Hollywood by prioritizing the well-being of the people working behind the scenes and ensuring that artists and crews are fairly compensated. Affleck is passionate about making a positive impact in the film industry, shifting his focus from the world of comic-book heroes to more meaningful, grounded projects.

“I’m more interested in creating and being involved in projects that allow me to have a say in shaping things and supporting those who make movies,” Affleck said about his new direction. His goal is to create a more collaborative and transparent environment in Hollywood, where artists can thrive without being bogged down by industry pressures.

The Future of Ben Affleck’s Career

While his time as Batman might be behind him, Affleck’s future in the industry looks brighter than ever. His newfound focus on Artists Equity and other creative projects demonstrates his evolving passion for filmmaking beyond the world of superheroes. As the actor moves on from his superhero past, fans can expect to see a more introspective and entrepreneurial side of Affleck, one that will likely lead him to new and exciting creative opportunities in the years to come.