Ben Affleck Responds To Whether He'll Direct A DC Movie For James Gunn
ScreenRant
3/16/2023
© Provided by ScreenRant
Ben Affleck reveals that he does not want to direct a DC Universe movie for James Gunn. Affleck has been part of the DC franchise since 2016 when he made his debut as Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. His time as the Dark Knight is expected to end later this year after a role in The Flash. However, the original plan for Ben Affleck's tenure with DC included stepping behind the camera to direct The Batman, which did not happen. While the Batman solo movie happened without him, DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn previously revealed that he has talked to Ben Affleck about directing a DC movie.
Those reports reignited hope that an upcoming movie in the DC Universe could be directed by Ben Affleck. In a new interview with THR, the actor reveals that this is not going to happen. As he prepares to release his new Nike movie Air, he confirmed that he has no interest in directing a DC movie. Ben Affleck mentions that it has nothing to do with James Gunn being in charge of DC Studios but rather that joining the franchise in that capacity is not something that lines up with what he wants to do with his career.
I would not direct something for the [James] Gunn DC. Absolutely not. I have nothing against James Gunn. Nice guy, sure he’s going to do a great job. I just wouldn’t want to go in and direct in the way they’re doing that. I’m not interested in that.
Related: Why The DCEU Still Can't Fully Let Go Of Ben Affleck's Batman
Why Ben Affleck Doesn't Want To Direct A DC Universe Movie
The confirmation that Ben Affleck will not direct a DC movie for James Gunn is somewhat surprising. The new DC Studios co-CEO, who is now officially directing Superman: Legacy, indicated that there was mutual interest between Affleck and DC about working together. Gunn mentioned that it was going to take the right project, indicating that Affleck directing a DC movie was not a guarantee. However, it appeared to be a positive sign that audiences could one day see a superhero movie with Affleck behind the camera.
The reason that Ben Affleck does not want to direct a movie in the DC Universe appears to be the result of not wanting to be part of a shared universe. Affleck's quote suggests that he is not interested in directing a movie that is part of a larger ecosystem or might be pressured to hit a specific release date. The THR article includes additional quotes by the actor/director/producer about how Justice League permanently scarred him on this front. It is not the first time Affleck has lamented the Justice League reshoot process, and he clearly has not forgotten about the effects it had on him.
Even though Ben Affleck will not direct a DC Universe movie in the near future, his stance could always change down the road. He might be more inclined to direct a DC Elseworlds movie that is a bit more flexible and does not have to connect to a massive franchise. But, Ben Affleck will not be directing a DC movie for James Gunn's DC Universe anytime soon.
More: DC’s New Batman Movie Must Keep 1 Thing From Affleck's Version
Source: THR
ScreenRant
