Director Andy Muschietti, set to direct the upcoming DC film The Flash, has confirmed that Ben Affleck will be returning to his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne in the film. This news could come as a surprise, due to how Affleck seemed to have made it clear that he had no desire to play the character again, but it's certainly a welcome one for the many fans who loved his interpretation of the character. Affleck will be joining Michael Keaton, who was recently announced to be returning to his role as another version of Batman for the film as well.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Muschietti discussed The Flash, which will be a film adaptation of the recent but no less impactful 'Flashpoint' storyline as seen in the comics. Affleck had previously departed from his role as Batman, though he didn't appear to harbor any ill will towards the productions or his fellow castmates. He has even regularly engaged with fans about the character and even expressed his excitement over the 'Snyder Cut' of Justice League finally being confirmed. “He’s a very substantial part of the emotional impact of the movie," Muschietti said, "the interaction and relationship between Barry and Affleck’s Wayne will bring an emotional level that we haven’t seen before,”
'Flashpoint' sees the titular superhero (real name Barry Allen) run through time and space as he encounters different worlds and timelines along with alternate versions of established characters. The choice of storyline is notable, as the nature of 'Flashpoint' allows for a complete rewriting of canon, which could theoretically result in much of the previous DC Extended Universe being drastically altered in the official continuity. Fans have speculated that The Flash will use 'Flashpoint' to separate itself from the past after the generally lackluster critical and audience response to some of DC's recent films.
Earlier in 2020, it was also confirmed that Michael Keaton would be returning to play Batman as well. Keaton had originally played Batman/Bruce Wayne in Tim Burton's critically acclaimed Batman in 1989 and Batman Returns in 1992, so long-time fans of the character were in for a surprise at that announcement. Naturally, audiences quickly began speculating on which "version" of Batman he would be playing, as 'Flashpoint' allows for different iterations of characters to exist in the same space.
A popular theory is that Keaton will be playing a character similar to the Batman Beyond version of Bruce Wayne, where the crime fighter has hung up his cowl due to old age and instead acts as backup to Terry McGinnis, a young man who takes up the Batman mantle. Meanwhile, Affleck's Batman will be seen by Barry Allen/The Flash as "the original Batman," which should give an idea of how the film will be perceiving different timelines.
This casting announcement, alongside the previous announcement of Keaton, is sure to spark endless discussion and hype from fans old and young. Here's hoping the finished film lives up to the legacy established by these two Hollywood powerhouses.
Source: Vanity Fair