Ever since it was announced as comic-con that the sequel to 2013 movie 'Man Of Steel' would include Batman, fanboys took it upon themselves to figure out who would be the next Batman. The suspense was intensified when rumors of who was on WB shortlist to play the Caped Crusader started flying around the web.
Rumors included Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale (returning from the Dark Knight trilogy) and... er... Orlando Bloom. But of all these candidates, none of them were chosen.
On the 23rd of August, fanboys, celebrities and all other people all over the world (and if aliens exist, them too) fell over when it was revealed that the new batman was going to be none other than...
Ben Affleck!
When news broke, the reaction was ranged from Positive to downright livid. I however, was one of the few people to be pleased. In fact this was my reaction to the casting news...
Unfortunately many fans find it hard (while some refuse) to believe Affleck could make a good Batman/Bruce Wayne. So I've compiled a few reasons the hate is unwarranted.
1)DOUBTING CASTING CHOICES USUALLY ENDS WITH DUST ON YOUR FACE.
The casting of Ben Affleck isn't the first to be greeted with hostility. In fact, there are a number of actors that spring to mind when it comes to controversial casting choices. Remember these guys?
Have you seen the pattern here? All of of these actors were initially faced with fanboy rage only to come out on top. Why shouldn't Ben Affleck be any different?
2)EVERY ACTOR/ACTRESS HAS HAD HIS/HER SHARE OF BAD MOVIES.
Most of the negative feedback involves complaints like this, "The guy form 'Gigli'?" or 'Daredevil, nuff said' but haven't all of CBM's top stars been in terrible movies? No actor has a perfect track record.
3)BEN AFFLECK WOULDN'T HAVE GONE INTO THIS PROJECT KNOWING HE COULDN'T BRING ANYTHING TO THE ROLE.
Ben has been very vocal about his dissatisfaction with Daredevil (in no small part due to the critical reception to the film) and it seemed to have destroyed any desire to star as a superhero again. But what changed his mind? I doubt it was the money since he has learnt money over quality is never a good choice. Both WB and Ben must have seen something special they could do with the character. Seeing how his career has picked up recently, its unlikely that Affleck would intentionally ruin everything he has worked for.
4)FANBOYS NEED TO STOP IMAGINING BEN IS THE WORST WAY.
I have a strong feeling that fanboys imagine Affleck in a Batman and Robin universe. After hearing the news, I re-watched various Man Of Steel trailers and tried to imagine Ben in that universe and it really went well.
5)ACTING INCLUDES A TRANSFORMATION.
I have to admit, when Mark Ruffalo was cast as Bruce Banner, my initial reaction was 'oh him.' (not in a negative tone) This is simply because Ruffalo didn't exactly LOOK like Bruce. But in the avengers, he seemed to go through some sort of physical transformation. His hair and mannerisms were noticeably different. The same thing goes for Heath Ledger as the Joker and Brandon Lee as the Crow. Ben will most likely bulk up a little for the role and his performance will most likely give us the feeling that we are watching a difference person on the big screen. My main point is that actors and actresses BECOME different people on screen.
6)BEN LOOKS LIKE BATMAN.
Batman's look has varied in comics depending on the comic book artist but a must is a unique jawline. When I think of Affleck the first thing that pops up in my mind is Batman from Batman: Arkham City.
7)BEN AFFLECK IS ON A COMEBACK.
I have been a fan of Ben Affleck since Daredevil. And gained even more respect when I watched the director's cut. But I see him in a whole new light after watching movies such as 'The Town' and 'Argo'. Affleck has been making some smart choices recently and I'm sure he didn't sign up for the role if he didn't think he could nail the role and prove himself.
8)BEN WILL BE THE MOST PHYSICALLY IMPOSING BATMAN TO DATE.
I've always wanted to see a large batman who would make thugs shit themselves. A batman who's presence could be felt in a room. I believe we'll get exactly that with Affleck.
9)THE ARGUMENT THAT HE'S TOO BIG OF A NAME ISN'T VALID.
This has got to be one of the silliest argument I've ever heard. Wasn't Edward Norton a big name prior to the being cast as Bruce Banner? Didn't people know Heath Ledger prior to becoming the joker? You'll only have difficulty seeing Ben as Bruce if you go into the cinema with your mind set that "I'm going to watch Ben Affleck." When I watched the town, I didn't see Ben Affleck and the same goes for Argo. Why can't he do the same with Batman/Bruce Wayne.
10)BEN'S INVOLVEMENT IN THE MOVIE WILL INCREASE ANTICIPATION FOR THE SEQUEL 80%
While I liked 'Man Of Steel' I wasn't dying to see a sequel despite the news that Batman was going to be involved (I'm still waiting for something to catch my attention for avengers 2). But this casting changed everything for me. You'll hear people say 'I'm not going to watch this!' (even though they will watch it when it comes out) but this casting choice will add curiosity to the upcoming sequel. Many people will line up, itching to see what Ben Affleck does with the character. Oh and before I forget, those fanboys who are starting a petition for Ben to lose the role knows where to shove it.
So there you go. I really look forward to seeing what Affleck does in the role. Comment below. Highflyer out!