Ben Affleck Was ‘Reluctant’ To Play Batman

Like many fans when they heard the news, Ben Affleck himself was a bit unsure about taking on the iconic role of Batman in the upcoming sequel to “Man of Steel.”

“Initially, I was reluctant, as I felt I didn’t fit the traditional mold, but once [director] Zack [Snyder] showed me the concept, and that it would be both different from the great movies that Chris [Nolan] and Christian [Bale] made, but still in keeping with tradition, I was excited,” Ben said in an interview with 411 mania.

The 41-year-old actor said he and the creative team behind the project understand the challenges of bringing yet another Caped Crusader to the big screen.

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“Doing something different and new is always tricky and part of the thrill and the risk is that initially it confounds expectations. The truth is, it’s the movie and the execution of it is what all the actors depend on and I believe in Zack’s vision,” he continued.

In September, the actor recalled his first response to the Batfleck backlash from many very vocal fans during an appearance on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.”

“I said, ‘I’m a big boy. I can handle any snub. I can handle anything,’” he told Jimmy about the fan backlash. “I said, ‘I handle s**t.’ I’m very tough.’ So, I saw the announcement, I look down the thing and I look at the first comment. The first comment goes, ‘Nooooooooooooo.’ I’m like, ‘We’re going to be Luddites for a while, kids.’”

Despite the hardcore fans’ negative take, Ben said he’s thrilled that his kids get to see him in the role.

“Every kid should see their dad as a superhero, right? It’s so awesome, man,” he said. “I’m so excited.”

— Jesse Spero