James Gunn‘s DC has failed to interest Ben Affleck, the ARGO filmmaker who was rumored to helm The Brave and the Bold. But the Batman star has candidly stated he is not interested in helming a DCU project under the Gunnverse over creative differences. However, the DCEU actor had nothing but admiration for his Batman performance in The Flash.
Ben Affleck may have finally moved on from the superhero genre. In fact, his upcoming directorial work, which he also produces and stars alongside Matt Damon, Air, ticks all the early indications to be an award contender worthy title. However, his vision, unfortunately, does not align with James Gunn for a DC Film.
The Air director spilled the beans speaking to THR stating he’d “Absolutely not” direct something for the Gunn DC. Although Ben Affleck clarified “I have nothing against James Gunn. Nice guy, sure he’s going to do a great job” the Justice League star also added “I just wouldn’t want to go in and direct in the way they’re doing that. I’m not interested in that.”
The shocking quote from the Justice League star has DCEU fans in awe since the DC Studios CEO had suggested Ben Affleck was interested in helming a DCU project. Readers can check out the reactions below.
Well, It looks like Ben Affleck is out. 😬
It also sounds very concerning for the new DCU. #DCStudios #JamesGunn #DCComics pic.twitter.com/obPYpfDpiC— Ryan 'All Day News' Anderson (@Ryans_Ramblings) March 16, 2023
“[Ben Affleck] wants to be a part of our architecture team trying to bring things together. And he really wants to direct one of our projects, and we're looking forward to him doing that” – James Gunn.
Yet here, Ben seems to make it quite clear he never was interested 😐 pic.twitter.com/dP12VjUPEc
— TomMCJL (@TomMCJL) March 16, 2023
Ben Affleck is the fucking man. I have spoken.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) March 16, 2023
"He really wants to direct one of our projects" – James Gunn.
"I would not direct something for James Gunn's DC. Absolutely not." – Ben Affleck.
Hmmmmm…
— Our Movie News🍿 (@ourmovienews) March 16, 2023
What's odd is what @JamesGunn said before Affleck's update.
"We're working with Ben Affleck, who really wants to be a part of our architecture team trying to bring things together. And he really wants to direct one of our projects and we're looking forward to him doing that." https://t.co/GuroudqR5T pic.twitter.com/NInY9aSf28
— BobaTalks (@BobaTalks) March 16, 2023
Well well well well WELL 😉 pic.twitter.com/M4awR9Bvtr
— Grace Randolph (@GraceRandolph) March 16, 2023
James Gunn: Hey Ben do you want to direct Batman: Brave and the Bold?
Ben Affleck: pic.twitter.com/tV8So0DMCN
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) March 16, 2023
james gunn reading Ben affleck’s comments pic.twitter.com/CMKT1qsTls
— Le Cinéphiles (@LeCinephiles) March 16, 2023
Ben Affleck doesn't want anything to do with James Gunn DC. He knows that Gunn doesn't have it in him as an artist to create something special – the kind of epic stories Affleck is interested in, and that only Zack Snyder can create in DC. pic.twitter.com/At47xPNAMF
— Francis J. The Viper 🇩🇴 #RebelMoon (@FrancisLaRabia) March 16, 2023
Ben Affleck tells The Hollywood Reporter in a new interview that he is not interested in directing any kind of DC film under James Gunn’s leadership.
Good. He doesn’t need this in his life. pic.twitter.com/14ijIwJabT
— Jesabel (@JesabelRaay) March 16, 2023
James Gunn thinks he can say stuff like "Ben Affleck wants to direct a project for us" so he can ease his recasting and it wouldn't come back to bite him. https://t.co/JARq15kHQC
— Unbiased Snyder Fan (@snyder_all) March 16, 2023
James Gunn on working with Ben Affleck on the DCU:
"We're working with Ben Affleck, who really wants to be a part of our architecture team trying to bring things together. And he really wants to direct one of our projects and we're looking forward to him doing that." pic.twitter.com/DoT5fNXxsQ
— Home of DCU (@homeofdcu) February 1, 2023
Ben Affleck really had one meeting with James Gunn and was like: pic.twitter.com/id5Dp1W4ZI
— Caleb Williams (@KnightGambit) March 16, 2023
Affleck also indirectly blasted Joss Whedon by calling his Justice League reshoots experience the worst in “a business which is full of some shitty experiences.” However, the Batman star still holds Zack Snyder’s Justice League in the highest regard – calling it his “highest-rated career movie.” While Gunn has faced criticism for his confidence in announcing Affleck as a potential director candidate for DC Studios – the actor has instead received an outpour of love from Snyderverse fans.
The good news is Ben says he managed to nail the part of playing the caped crusader character in The Flash. But the actor describes his screen time as “for the five minutes I’m there”. Earlier versions of the film contained more scenes and also entertained leaving open the possibility of a return for Ben Affleck’s Batman.
The Brave and the Bold movie does not have a release date attached yet.
