Why The Flash Might Just Save Ben Affleck's Batman

Zack Snyder's DC universe, which began a decade ago with the polarizing yet unforgettable Man of Steel film, is reaching its conclusion. The new DCU, helmed by James Gunn, means that Snyder's universe will no longer be in play. Despite this, there was much promise for Snyder's world a few years ago, particularly with the casting of Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, and Jason Momoa as Aquaman. However, Ben Affleck's casting as Batman was arguably the most well-received. Affleck's portrayal of the character was adored from the beginning, but his solo film never came to fruition, and he eventually stepped down from the role as Robert Pattinson took over. Nevertheless, Affleck will have the chance to bid farewell to his version of Batman in The Flash, which premieres this month in theaters. This offers him the opportunity to give his version of Bruce Wayne/Batman a satisfying conclusion to his character arc.

The Flash can conclude Ben Affleck's time as Batman

Ben Affleck's departure from the role of Batman seemed imminent, but the upcoming multiverse plot of The Flash offers him a chance to appear alongside Michael Keaton and the new actor taking over the role. Initially, Keaton was supposed to take over as Batman in a new-look world that would reset after the Flashpoint plot line, but James Gunn's arrival at Warner Bros. and DC changed things up. Gunn plans to cast a new actor in the role and feature his Bat-family heavily. While Affleck's Batman was never able to fight alongside Robin due to the universe's quick changes, The Flash offers him the opportunity to have a proper conclusion - something not afforded to some of his DC costars, like Henry Cavill, whose time as Superman was cut short due to changes at the studio. Despite the franchise's many changes, fans can take comfort in the fact that Affleck won't be left in the dust like some of the other actors and filmmakers.

Affleck's Batman will have a satisfying ending

In his initial portrayal as Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Ben Affleck brought a more hardened and darker version of the character to the screen. The death of his Robin at the hands of Jared Leto’s Joker, the invasion of Zod and his Kryptonian army, and the presence of Superman on Earth had stripped much of Batman’s hope away, leaving him angrier than ever before. However, his character arc in the film saw him come to accept Superman and realize that he was a valuable member of the planet who was just as human as any other person.

Now, in The Flash and 2023, Ben Affleck’s Batman will seemingly come full circle. Having worked with a team to save the world in Justice League, he is now mentoring the younger generation by looking after Barry Allen and advising him against changing the past. This brings his character arc to a satisfying conclusion and allows him to exit the DC universe in a fulfilling manner. Although not all of the Snyderverse actors have had the same opportunity, it feels right that Affleck will receive a moment like this.

The departure of Ben Affleck opens up the opportunity for a new actor to take on the role of Batman, with reports indicating that the character will make his debut in The Brave and the Bold. Speculation has arisen that Andy Muschetti, the director of The Flash, may be chosen to lead the project, given the positive reception to his first DC film from critics and fans alike.