Pop Mythology Pop Mythology: Movie, Book, Comic reviews & commentary
So Ben Affleck is the new Batman. And the fire rises on Twitter.
Warner Bros. just made the announcement a couple of hours ago, but in the world of social media (especially among the geek community), that’s a long time. Already, fans on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit are chiming in with their two-cents about this latest development which follows closely on the heels of Zack Snyder’s Superman-Batman revelation at Comic-Con last month.
Deadline.com quotes Warner Bros.’ Greg Silverman thus: “We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular superheroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and [director] Zack [Snyder] will bring new dimension to the duality of this character.”
So what do y’all think? Sound off below! [subscribe2]
Affleck has come a long way since Daredevil. Methinks he’ll do okay but not great because everyone and their grandmother will be comparing him to Christian Bale.
I was skeptical when Heath Ledger was cast as Joker after Nicholson, and we saw how that turned out. In my opinion, Affleck catches a bit too much heat. He’s a decent enough actor (although much better as a director), his main problem will be coming into the role so soon after the Nolan/Bale trilogy. I’m more concerned with Zack Synder making this one in the same headache-inducing, no character, no story, no sense, lens flare, lens flare, lens flare style as Men of Steel.
I’m personally rather forgiving of superhero movies. I don’t walk into the theatre expecting Citizen Kane. I want to be able to geek out and enjoy some (potentially campy) superhero action. Sure, nothing that is too jarring to my suspension of disbelief, but if it takes some liberties, so be it. Mind, this coming from a guy who was once dumped for not knowing enough about the Green Lantern. Did I mention I liked that one, too? It was fun, that’s all I ask.
All that to say, I’m happy to give the guy a chance. While I love the modern acceptance for comic book culture, we also have to keep in mind it is, well, Batman. A guy who dresses up like a bat to fight clowns, penguins, and question marks. “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?”
And Affleck, like any other person in a profession, can (and has) grown in ability and experience. The Dark Knight rises had a budget of somewhere around $300 million and over a billion dollars in revenue. I want to believe the producers put more than a little time into their decision. I guess I also kinda want to believe in Humanity and Santa Claus.
Either way, I can’t wait to see the youtube video of someone doing the Christian Bale Batman voice: “You see, Alfred, I like to pick up villains on the rebound from a disappointing attack on Gotham. They’re much more in need of solace and they’re fairly open to suggestion. And, I use that to f*ck them some place very uncomfortable.”