Ben Affleck’s DCU entrance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was a standout among viewers. His grizzled, older version of the character was something different from Robert Pattinson’s The Batman. Affleck applied a world-weariness to the caped crusader that audiences had never seen before. Directed under Zack Snyder, there was a promise of a different and darker version of the character. Now with the universe rebranded as the DCU, fans wonder how Affleck could return. James Gunn stated that he wants Affleck back to direct, but needs to find the right project.

There is a limitless number of projects he could attach his name as a director. If Affleck were to come back to direct, two projects come to mind. Both of these titles are not obvious choices but could lead to entertaining results. Affleck’s Batman was a highlight of the DCU universe. Audiences were not given insight into this Batman’s world outside of references to his nemeses. This version of Batman needs a chance to have his story told in any way that it can. Instead of a television series, Ben Affleck needs to have his own Batman movie on HBO Max.

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Ben Affleck Should Lead Batman Again

     Warner Bros.

The Gotham City of this world is ruled by the fear Affleck’s version established. His first appearance in Batman v Superman focused on his response to fear. Turning the character’s “rule with fear” message on its head can only occur in one way. A darker Bruce Wayne needs his own prequel Batman movie leading up to Batman v Superman. Giving the version established in his first Batman film a chance to expand could make the character even better. If Affleck was given a gritty Batman story, it could make the character’s eventual redemption more satisfying.

A rule in cinema is for stories to “show us and not tell us” about the history of a character. This version of Batman involved telling audiences about his past, without showing us why he is worthy of redemption. Properly showing the Batman v Superman style Batman could appease the fans who loved this interpretation. Exploring the brutality of this Batman could also be a way to dissect this Gotham City.

Bringing up the politics of Gotham could create an interesting moral dilemma for this older Bruce Wayne. A driving question of this Batman film could be “does Gotham City need a Batman at all?” This idea could be perfectly answered by how the story continues in future installments.

The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, showed off a dark corner of Gotham City. This corner was a corrupt, and crime-riddled Gotham, unlike anything audiences had seen before. Affleck’s Batman could amplify The Batman’s Gotham City by making something almost grotesque. If this version appeared on HBO Max, this vision could come to reality via a TV-MA rating. An HBO Max film would be the perfect way for Affleck to continue as the caped crusader. That is not the only way for him to make a return to the DCU.

Or Pick Up Where Snyder Left Off

     DC Comics

Justice League was met with serious division up its theatrical release in November 2017. The release was met with such an outcry, that Zack Snyder’s version came to light in March 2021. Fans are adamant that Snyder’s universe should continue, but should not be blindsided by potential new directors. Affleck has shown his range as a very talented filmmaker. Dealing with both true life stories and crime dramas, his films have always expressed themes of “hope.” An injection of hope and positivity could start via a proper Justice League movie directed by him.

As a filmmaker, Affleck has dabbled in a multitude of serious and prestigious filmmaking projects. Movies like Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and Argo showcased his range and potential. Directing a Justice League film could be a jolt of energy after his bad experience with the 2017 film. These films allowed Affleck to continue a trend of “hopefulness” that could lead to a proper Justice League movie. Audiences were given glimpses of this potential hopefulness in both The Town and Argo’s endings. Under James Gunn and Peter Safran’s leadership, this hypothetical idea could become a reality. The idea of an optimistic universe and Justice League could bring Affleck back to the director’s set.

The DCU is currently a blank canvas waiting to be written by Gunn and Safran. Plans to announce part of their universe have been set to occur this month. If Ben Affleck is returning, this would be a perfect major first announcement. From what remains of the late DCU, Affleck was a highlight for fans and critics. His return could be the first building block for a comic universe fans have been waiting years for. Starting a more positive universe could be how this Batman’s redemption arch continues. A more hopeful version of Batman could be the start of a bright and prosperous DCU.