Now that James Gunn has become the leader of the DC universe, it looks like anyone who worked with Zack Snyder is going to be out of a job, as the new leaders want to create and cast their universe. It’s obvious that Ben Affleck and his Batman are dead. With that in mind, it might be time for Affleck to join the MCU. Here’s why.

The MCU Hasn’t Hired a Movie Star in a While

     20th Century Fox

The MCU has become used to creating “movie stars” instead of casting them, as Natalie Portman might be the last real “movie star” they cast. Marvel has used renowned actors for one-and-done villains, like Cate Blanchett or Christian Bale, but a real, consolidated, movie star with plans for more than one appearance hasn’t joined their ranks in quite some time. Affleck could change that. We know he’s a good actor and has the star potential to be the anchor of a movie (and franchise) on his own.

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There are rumors that he’s already in talks with the studio to play Dario Agger, but we believe he would be best-suited to play some more known and important characters in the DCU (and we’re not talking about Multiverse Daredevil). He could be a fantastic Dr. Doom, if age is not a problem, and they’re not trying to get a young cast for the Fantastic Four movie. Affleck would be great at playing the smart, monomaniacal, scientist because… well, he is smart and sometimes monomaniacal. He could also be a great Norman Osborn if there are more Tom Holland Spider-Man adventures, or even The Silver Surfer in a Galaxy-bound adventure.

He Could Direct an MCU Film

     Warner Bros. Pictures

Another way for Affleck to be introduced into the MCU is by directing one of its movies. He’s proven he can direct great films, especially one with a more human component and some thrilling action. He could shoot one of the more grounded and thrilling characters; someone like Punisher, or Daredevil, if he ever got a film (the irony of him directing a Daredevil movie would also be pretty fun).

Affleck could probably direct any of the future movies Marvel has planned in phase 6, and it would be a good addition, as Marvel should be getting some new stylized directors like him. None of the movies that have been announced is an obvious fit for him other than Fantastic Four (consolidating the idea of him also being Dr. Doom). Kevin Feige knows the ideas and stories they’re cooking that we’re not aware of, so he could probably find the perfect film for Affleck to show his increasing prowess in the director’s chair.

He Can Mix Comedy and Drama

     Lions Gate FilmsMiramax

As the MCU has evolved, and more and more genres and galaxies have been introduced, what’s been obvious is that any actor in the Marvel Universe has to be able to do both comedy and drama. There are so many characters and tones, from Black Panther to Guardians of the Galaxy, that any actor must be able to play both, as it’s always possible they’ll interact in the next reunion movie. Affleck can mix genres with his eyes closed, as his filmography has proven time and time again. He can be serious, jokey, an action-star, romantic, and he can even parody himself, so whatever the MCU throws his way, Affleck would be able to act the hell out of it.

He Has Experience Playing Superheroes

The fact that he’s already been Batman and Daredevil gives Affleck something not many have when they go into an MCU role: experience. He knows what to do and what not, giving him an inside, both as an actor and a director, that would help the whole universe as he knows what doesn’t work. Affleck caught some flack for his Batman performance, but his Bruce Wayne might’ve been the best, and he has enough green screen experience to be able to create a fun, surprising, unique film and character, both as actor and director. He also knows what happens when you decide to become one of the world’s biggest superheroes after being Batman, so he would probably be very conscious of what character plays, making sure it’s something worth it for both him and Marvel.

He Loves Comic Books

     Warner Bros.

During his tenure as Batman, it became known that Affleck is an avid comic book reader and collector. Affleck told USA Today: “So I have this pretty big comic book collection from when I was 10, 11, 12. I still have it,” he said. “It’s actually at my mother’s house in Boston. I thought it would be safe, and then at one point my mother’s like, ‘Do you still want these?’ Of course, I still want them! They’ve been here for 30 years! What are you going to do, throw them away?!”

With that in mind, he might already have some obscure character he would love to play, making it a left-turn surprise that makes perfect sense after the fact. Let’s not forget that Ant-Man was in the MCU as early as it did because Edgar Wright had shown interest in the character, not because Feige thought it was one of its biggest heroes. Things didn’t end well for Wright, but if Affleck decided he’d be an incredible Iceman, Sebastian Shaw, or Cable, why wouldn’t that be a great idea if it fits the timing and plans of Marvel’s Phase 6 or 7? Whatever Kevin Feige and Ben Affleck decide, we can’t wait, as we believe having Ben Affleck in this universe would be the cherry on top of the MCU sundae.