Ben Affleck To Team With DC’s Geoff Johns On Standalone ‘Batman’ Film - Part 1

[Doctor Octopus]

On one hand, I see what you are getting at. But on the other hand, it amounts to "fans better leave Ben Affleck alone or he really will quit!" This is a discussion board, and all this is getting put out there publicly. We are not the ones asking Affleck these questions. He's putting his answers out there publicly, and some of them seem like he's sending mixed signals. Jett with Batman on Film is talking about Justice League having problems. Collider's Steven Weintraub tweeted out he's less sure about Affleck directing the film.

If Ben Affleck is getting frustrated with how fans aren't leaving him alone on this, there's good reason for that. Batman v Superman was a polarizing project. Him spearheading a solo-Batman remake is seen as a way to potentially salvage the whole DCEU. Batman is a cultural, global icon, and he's one of the most popular characters on the planet. As such, people in general are a little more interested in the future of that character as it pertains to film than Live By Night, which has come and gone.

People don't really have to stop looking for reasons to analyze and reinterpret his remarks at all. The movie's still in pre-production and a lot can still change at this point. I'm not really sure how what you are saying people shouldn't do is any different from your article this week. You wrote the following in your report:

No one's really disrespecting his request. It's not like fans are in his office knocking on his door everyday. If he's feeling pressured...I mean...look, that's what he signed up for. Being the new Batman for a new movie franchise means you take a lot of this on your shoulders. It's risky. You have to deal with so much in terms of expectation. It took years for Ben Affleck to rebuild his career and establish himself as a legitimate actor and filmmaker again. There was a point years ago where he said he'd never do another comic book movie. What he went through with Daredevil was the cause of that. Now, it seems like he's going through it all over again with Batman. I understand that having that weight and dealing with the expectations of fans and audiences who can be very fickle and turn on you in a second. Yeah that sucks. But Ben Affleck could've said no. He could've said no to Batman and just continue doing the passion projects and prestige pictures like Gone Girl, and he probably would've had a much more pleasant ride. Instead, he signed up to do another movie franchise and play a comic book hero again. So, after everything he went through and endured with Daredevil, after his movie career went through a gigantic slump that he had to fight and claw his way out of, he was at a point where he never needed to do a movie like Batman again. He said he wouldn't do this again. And yet, he willingly signed up for it. That's on him.

Ben is just being a baby. Tell them beforehand that you're not answering questions about Batman, only Live By Night. Otherwise stop complaining (first world problems is right). You keep answering and one day it's "don't worry the script is almost finished im just taking my time" then it's "there's no script, I'll do it if it's good", next day it's back to "God guys im doing it alright just calm down , I just want to make it the best it can be! Next day he's like yeah we'll see it depends ya know?

Like come on dude, at this point a lot of us know it's going to happen but please just shut the hell up Ben. You're causing your own pressure and internet problems at this point. Say one thing, stick to it and stop answering the same questions if you're annoyed by the speculation.

I swear it's like we're dealing with a bunch of babies running the DCEU. Babies who are overpaid. You would never get this kind of jockitch behaviour (yeah I know, what?) from the Nolans like we do with Snyder and Ayer. And we would never have to deal with the sulking either, like Ben when his money making movie that he's supposed to be proud of isn't loved by critics. Boo hoo, you're a professional filmmaker and actor and you're in your 40s and you're sulking in the corner cuz of critics? You're getting all aggravated by the "pressure" now, I can't imagine what kind of a hot head he's going to be on set, especially with a batsuit on, sweating, while 100 people are asking him questions.

Agreed with these posts. Dceu have too much history of things going bad on making of films that it right to be worried.

 

[jmc]

I'm not sure what getting up in arms about fan discussing and speculating about the film actually solves. In all honesty, fans are going to discuss and dissect things the average joe isn't because we're emotionally attached to these projects. But at the end of the day there's nothing fans can do about what the media asks Affleck. If they want to ask him about the film they are going to do it. We aren't the ones shoving the microphone in his face and looking for a quote.

 

[BatLobster]

I appreciate your thoughtful response Mark, and I'll try to keep my end of this brief since you said you're heading off and I think we've all probably spent more than enough time beating this dead horse as it is.

He's not asking to be treated any differently than other directors. I'd ask a very simple question -- show me a director who said "I'm planning to direct this movie, I'm writing a script, and I don't want to do it til it's great but I am excited for it and plan to make it" who was asked for months, even during press events for other films, if they REALLY were making the movie and if they were actually quitting as director. Months of that, while the director kept saying "I'm writing it, I plan to make it, I plan to direct it, I am just saying I won't do it til I know it's going to be great because I don't want to make it if it's not great." If there's really a truly comparable situation, I'd be interested in seeing it and seeing how the director acted toward the constant months of questions about whether they were really going to make it or quit.

Quick example that comes to mind- Tim Burton with Beetlejuice 2. He's been getting asked about it for literally years now. It's been a lot of the same type of stuff where he's been saying "It's coming together, the script is good but needs to get better, it has to be great otherwise I can't do it", etc. As far as I know Burton never expressed any frustration with people asking about it. The more relevant reason I even use that example is because that's a case where you had a movie that the director said was happening, multiple actors said was definitely happening, and then all of a sudden ends up in development limbo because they just can't get the script right. I think there may be a concern out there that something similar could happen here. I don't personally have that fear, but I get why some might. Especially given the fact that Affleck clearly was taken off guard by the reaction to BvS and possibly Live By Night as well and who could really blame him if he said, "You know what? F*** it, it's not worth the risk."

I just regret seeing so many fans dismissing his stress and pressure, acting as if he has no reason or right to complain, or as if it's somehow wrong or weak or whatever for him to feel so pressured and not like it. Fans should be more supportive of people who are being so dedicated to trying to make good movies for us, even amid their work and personal lives bearing down on them with immense pressure and stress. Despite all of this stuff, he goes on live TV to try to convince us that YES he's going to direct The Batman, YES he is writing it and wants to make it, YES he thinks it'll be great, and just PLEASE can we have a little trust in him and give him time to relax and get his head together so he can finish the screenplay and get to work on the movie? I really am surprised so many fans seem to reject that and seem to have little sympathy or support for him in this situation. Sigh...

All I can say to this is I do sympathize with him...to a point. He's in a position that tons of aspiring writers AND actors AND directors would kill to be in with this project. Not only with it being one of the most beloved fictional characters, but just to be involved with something with such a high level of interest from the press and public. Even leaving the big fat paycheck aspect aside, I have to keep that all in perspective and realize that yes, these are most certainly first world problems (as is whether or not we all get to enjoy a new great Batman movie or not, btw)

I'm rooting for Ben to succeed, and like I've said I personally don't care if the movie comes out next month or 4 years from now. Part of me rooting for him though is wanting to see him get better at handling the fan pressure and stress inherent to the job. It's not that I discount the effect all of those things have on a human being, but I just recognize the reality that a project of this size and stature will crush anybody who doesn't develop a thicker skin for it.

 

[Snow Queen]

BatLobster, would you mind clearing a bit of space in your inbox, please?

 

[jmc]

How much pressure is coming directly to him from fans though? It seems most people are genuinely supportive of him, and any ill will is directed more towards WB than Affleck. It feels like we're having a discussion here that really doesn't solve anything because we're placing the blame towards the wrong people.

 

[misslane38]

Fans absolutely shoulder some blame here. Fans are the ones who flip out every time Affleck says something about The Batman. Fans are the ones who act entitled to The Batman film at a particular date despite the nonexistence of any production or release dates. Fans are the ones whose predictable flip outs drive journalists and bloggers to create clickbait articles with misleading headlines and quotes out of context for the express purpose of riling up the rabid fanbase for even more clicks, hits, retweets, etc.

 

[jmc]

Fans absolutely shoulder some blame here. Fans are the ones who flip out every time Affleck says something about The Batman. Fans are the ones who act entitled to The Batman film at a particular date despite the nonexistence of any production or release dates. Fans are the ones whose predictable flip outs drive journalists and bloggers to create clickbait articles with misleading headlines and quotes out of context for the express purpose of riling up the rabid fanbase for even more clicks, hits, retweets, etc.

I've not once seen anyone, at least on here, flip out about the release date. But regardless, I do agree some fans can get rowdy and do come across as entitled, but what exactly can anyone do about it other than close the comments sections, facebook groups and message boards? Part of taking on these type of movies is having to deal with the fans, what makes it worse here though is the level of divisiveness between people who like the DCEU and those who don't. If anything, I'd argue if there is pressure on Affleck it's a level of pressure he wasn't expecting based on the reaction to BvS. It's entirely possible had Affleck known what the reaction to BvS was he wouldn't have signed on in the first place.

 

[Boom]

Honestly, I get the impression that Affleck isn't so much frustrated with fans as he is with the press asking him the same question over and over again. And it's certainly understandable. They keep asking him for an update when he literally has none to give.

 

[Micromind]

I'm not sure what getting up in arms about fan discussing and speculating about the film actually solves. In all honesty, fans are going to discuss and dissect things the average joe isn't because we're emotionally attached to these projects. But at the end of the day there's nothing fans can do about what the media asks Affleck. If they want to ask him about the film they are going to do it. We aren't the ones shoving the microphone in his face and looking for a quote.

Fans don't exist in isolation though, fans are a part of general audience and when it comes to Batman, there are more Batman fans than any other Superhero fans out there.

Media and News outlets only ask the questions that people want them to be asked, in other words if there is little interest in some movie, then reporters too would not bother.

So, it a cycle, one feeds off the other.

 

[Micromind]

How much pressure is coming directly to him from fans though? It seems most people are genuinely supportive of him, and any ill will is directed more towards WB than Affleck. It feels like we're having a discussion here that really doesn't solve anything because we're placing the blame towards the wrong people.

What ill will ?

Ill will towards WB for giving s TDK trilogy ? Or getting Ben Affleck on board as actor -director, or ill will because they rebooted Bat franchise ?

 

[jmc]

Fans don't exist in isolation though, fans are a part of general audience and when it comes to Batman, there are more Batman fans than any other Superhero fans out there.

Media and News outlets only ask the questions that people want them to be asked, in other words if there is little interest in some movie, then reporters too would not bother.

So, it a cycle, one feeds off the other.

Exactly, so I'm not sure sure why this discussion is even taking place. It's a cycle that's not going to be broken, and everyone involved with the Batman movie knows this. You either deal with it or you don't do it.

 

[The Joker]

There is huge general audience interest in Batman. It's Batman. He sells himself. That does not stem solely from fans. TDK and TDKR didn't pull in a billion each or close to it solely from Batman fans like us.

Media interest in huge blockbuster movies about iconic characters is normal. Fans are in no way to blame for that, or the questions the media decide to ask repeatedly. Should we stop wanting a Batman movie just so the media won't ask the directors about it?

Quick example that comes to mind- Tim Burton with Beetlejuice 2. He's been getting asked about it for literally years now. It's been a lot of the same type of stuff where he's been saying "It's coming together, the script is good but needs to get better, it has to be great otherwise I can't do it", etc. As far as I know Burton never expressed any frustration with people asking about it.

There's lots of examples like that. Even about things that are not even happening. For example Joss Whedon was asked for years if Firefly will come back.

 

[jmc]

What ill will ?

Ill will towards WB for giving s TDK trilogy ? Or getting Ben Affleck on board as actor -director, or ill will because they rebooted Bat franchise ?

Ill will to their poor handling of the DCEU.

 

[misslane38]

There is huge general audience interest in Batman. It's Batman. He sells himself. That does not stem solely from fans. TDK and TDKR didn't pull in a billion each or close to it solely from Batman fans like us.

Media interest in huge blockbuster movies about iconic characters is normal. Fans are in no way to blame for that, or the questions the media decide to ask repeatedly. Should we stop wanting a Batman movie just so the media won't ask the directors about it?

I didn't say anything about it being wrong for fans to want a Batman film and for that desire to fuel reporting. What is wrong, though, is fans generating controversy about the potential delay of a film that wasn't even officially scheduled for production or release. Fans are to blame for relentlessly spinning non-news (i.e. a director wants to wait until he has a good script to begin production) into portents of doom or proof that Affleck is off the project. In other words, fans who seem to have trouble with media literacy and empathy do shoulder some blame for how these news cycles perpetuate themselves.

 

[The Joker]

I didn't say anything about it being wrong for fans to want a Batman film and for that desire to fuel reporting. What is wrong, though, is fans generating controversy about the potential delay of a film that wasn't even officially scheduled for production or release. Fans are to blame for relentlessly spinning non-news (i.e. a director wants to wait until he has a good script to begin production) into portents of doom or proof that Affleck is off the project. In other words, fans who seem to have trouble with media literacy and empathy do shoulder some blame for how these news cycles perpetuate themselves.

What controversy are fans generating? Some complaints on a message board? What non-news about delays have fans generated? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was the Batman on Film website saying one of their long time sources said the movie is delayed that started this;

http://www.batman-on-film.com/batman-films_THE-BATMAN_Affleck_rumor_pushed-back_1-9-17.html

This did not originate from fans stirring up controversy.

 

[misslane38]

What controversy are fans generating? Some complaints on a message board? What non-news about delays have fans generated? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was the Batman on Film website saying one of their long time sources said the movie is delayed that started this;

http://www.batman-on-film.com/batman-films_THE-BATMAN_Affleck_rumor_pushed-back_1-9-17.html

This did not originate from fans stirring up controversy.

The controversy is about the film being delayed at all. The film hasn't been delayed because it was never officially scheduled. And the news that Affleck may wait to start filming until he feels he's ready and the script is ready is something he's been saying for months now. It's not news.

It's not just complaints on a message board. It's fans commenting, clicking, and generating site traffic for news organizations and blogs that post the same comments from Affleck over and over again because for some reason even when Affleck keeps saying the same thing for months, every time his words are interpreted to mean something different, and like a bunch of entitled Chicken Littles, fans freak out over nothing. These freak outs make blogs and websites money, so the cycle continues.

 

[The Joker]

Fans didn't start the news about the delays. BOF did as far as I can see. That's the one all these websites are saying first reported it, and it's them who said one of their long time sources reported it to them. Fans didn't tell all these other websites to spread it around.

Fans did nothing wrong by clicking on these news links and generating site traffic. They're Batman fans reacting to it. They see some new news item about Batman, they're going to read it and comment on it. That's normal for any franchise with a big fan base. Fans didn't start this. Fans don't put a gun to the heads of these media reporters and interviewers and tell them to ask Affleck repeatedly about Batman when he is promoting another movie entirely. Fans didn't tell BOF to write that delay article etc.

Yes some fans overreact to rumors and news that is spread around. I don't know a movie franchise with a big fan base that doesn't. It's as old as the hills.

 

[jmc]

The controversy is about the film being delayed at all. The film hasn't been delayed because it was never officially scheduled. And the news that Affleck may wait to start filming until he feels he's ready and the script is ready is something he's been saying for months now. It's not news.

It's not just complaints on a message board. It's fans commenting, clicking, and generating site traffic for news organizations and blogs that post the same comments from Affleck over and over again because for some reason even when Affleck keeps saying the same thing for months, every time his words are interpreted to mean something different, and like a bunch of entitled Chicken Littles, fans freak out over nothing. These freak outs make blogs and websites money, so the cycle continues.

Ok, some fans freak out. And? This is nothing new and it's always going to exist. In all honesty it's as if this discussion amounts to saying 'you shouldn't say this' to people. Reality is people are going to be opinionated about these films and will want to discuss them with others.

 

[Benal]

About $9M weekend for Live By Night, according to projections based on early Friday. Below the likes of Monster Trucks and The Bye Bye Man. Will finish its run with, at most, $27M domestic (I think it will start losing theater showings fast) and over seas doesn't look too good either.

A $65M production with a big marketing push. This movie will lose a lot of money for WB.

Sucks for Ben to be in pre-production on the Batman when all of this is happening. Not a confidence boost.

 

[OutOfBoose]

Ben is just being a baby. Tell them beforehand that you're not answering questions about Batman, only Live By Night. Otherwise stop complaining (first world problems is right). You keep answering and one day it's "don't worry the script is almost finished im just taking my time" then it's "there's no script, I'll do it if it's good", next day it's back to "God guys im doing it alright just calm down , I just want to make it the best it can be! Next day he's like yeah we'll see it depends ya know?

Like come on dude, at this point a lot of us know it's going to happen but please just shut the hell up Ben. You're causing your own pressure and internet problems at this point. Say one thing, stick to it and stop answering the same questions if you're annoyed by the speculation.

I swear it's like we're dealing with a bunch of babies running the DCEU. Babies who are overpaid. You would never get this kind of jockitch behaviour (yeah I know, what?) from the Nolans like we do with Snyder and Ayer. And we would never have to deal with the sulking either, like Ben when his money making movie that he's supposed to be proud of isn't loved by critics. Boo hoo, you're a professional filmmaker and actor and you're in your 40s and you're sulking in the corner cuz of critics? You're getting all aggravated by the "pressure" now, I can't imagine what kind of a hot head he's going to be on set, especially with a batsuit on, sweating, while 100 people are asking him questions.

 

[Nemeres]

Considering that this is a fanbase in which some people dislike Affleck's Batman in Batman v Superman because they don't accept that someone like Batman could suffer from mental illness like PTSD and repeatedly claim that it makes him less intelligent to struggle with mental health issues, it's no surprise that they similarly lack empathy and compassion for celebrities and artists, particularly ones bringing Batman to life onscreen.

Ok. What a blah comment and cheap, immature blow. Rejecting screenwriting choices on BVS implies prejudice against mental illness, yes. I’m sure more than one person discussing Affleck’s comments on The Batman are very ok with their ability for empathy, to the point where they don’t have to feel bad about debating whatever issue around Poor Mr Celebrity’s next film online.

Affleck’s probably dealt with much worse throughout his tumultuous career and tabloid history without needing fans or journalists to play the guilt & pity game.

 

[wnjcwjkk]

I'm imagining someone getting footage Affleck having a complete breakdown, in full Batman getup, from heat exhaustion, pressure from expectations, and being asked the same questions over and over, and beating the crap out of a bunch of reporters and paparazzi as if it was the warehouse scene, like everybody's all quiet waiting to bombard him with questions, then he bursts from a hole in the ground, blowing up their cameras and microphones, running around knocking people out, scampering off and hiding in the shadows, like a bat. Tell me that wouldn't be worth it to see.



It's the nature of the beast, people are going to report and dissect every little thing. I don't think Affleck is that worried about what people are saying in forums and comments sections, he's been handling the questions well, and it seems he's got a lot more goodwill now than he did when he was cast, so if he made it through that online gauntlet, he should be fine. Probably just a little (understandably) annoyed at being constantly asked about a movie he hasn't started filming while promoting a movie he's finished with and probably proud of. If anything would turn him off the whole experience, it would probably be the studio stepping in and not allowing him to create the film he wants to create.

 

[FunkMiller]

Ben is just being a baby. Tell them beforehand that you're not answering questions about Batman, only Live By Night. Otherwise stop complaining (first world problems is right). You keep answering and one day it's "don't worry the script is almost finished im just taking my time" then it's "there's no script, I'll do it if it's good", next day it's back to "God guys im doing it alright just calm down , I just want to make it the best it can be! Next day he's like yeah we'll see it depends ya know?

Like come on dude, at this point a lot of us know it's going to happen but please just shut the hell up Ben. You're causing your own pressure and internet problems at this point. Say one thing, stick to it and stop answering the same questions if you're annoyed by the speculation.

I swear it's like we're dealing with a bunch of babies running the DCEU. Babies who are overpaid. You would never get this kind of jockitch behaviour (yeah I know, what?) from the Nolans like we do with Snyder and Ayer. And we would never have to deal with the sulking either, like Ben when his money making movie that he's supposed to be proud of isn't loved by critics. Boo hoo, you're a professional filmmaker and actor and you're in your 40s and you're sulking in the corner cuz of critics? You're getting all aggravated by the "pressure" now, I can't imagine what kind of a hot head he's going to be on set, especially with a batsuit on, sweating, while 100 people are asking him questions.

They do all display a degree of petulance that is rather irritating. Mind you, they're producing immature movies (IMO) so I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised. There's quite literally no-one involved in the DCEU right now who I'd regard as being a statesmen and a true leader. Affleck certainly isn't it. He's a genuinely good bloke by all appearances, but he lacks the gravitas that I think's necessary to carry such a massive project as a Batman film that can stand alongside Nolan's.

 

[OutOfBoose]

They do all display a degree of petulance that is rather irritating. Mind you, they're producing immature movies (IMO) so I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised. There's quite literally no-one involved in the DCEU right now who I'd regard as being a statesmen and a true leader.

Kevin Tsujihara.

 

[FunkMiller]

Kevin Tsujihara.

Eh...