Ben Affleck Will Not Direct for James Gunn’s New DC Universe
Ben Affleck opened up in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that he has no interest in directing for James Gunn’s new DC universe
Ben Affleck has made a name for himself as a talented actor, screenwriter, and director. In 2012, Affleck directed, starred, and produced Argo, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2013. His upcoming directorial work is Air, the story of Michael Jordan and his revolutionary collaboration with Nike.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck explained that he chose to make Air because he seeks films that are creatively interesting to him. Air will be the first film produced and created under Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company, Artists Equity.
Affleck reflected on blockbuster projects in the past which “got to a point where [he] found it creatively not satisfying.” The project that Affleck cited for making him lose interest in those stories was Justice League. The film initially flopped and became an internet meme for its mismanagement.
Justice League reshoots single-handedly destroyed
— RBL (@Rebellion_128) March 16, 2023
*Justice league movie itself
*Many actors and actresses movie and personal life
*DCEU
*Fans love to DC
Congratulations WB. You guys r the best.
Affleck recalled, “Justice League … You could teach a seminar on all the reasons why this is how not to do it.” In his opinion, these issues were “Ranging from production to bad decisions to horrible personal tragedy…” The entire experience left the star with the “most monstrous taste in [his] mouth.”
The actor revealed that Justice League brought him to a dark and uninspired place, where he reflected on how much he missed his family.
The film was such a negative experience the star recounted, “I was going to direct a Batman, and [Justice League] made me go, ‘I’m out. I never want to do any of this again. I’m not suited.’ That was the worst experience…It broke my heart.” Despite not wanting to direct a Batman movie, Affleck noted he “did finally figure out how to play that character [Batman], and… nailed it in The Flash.”
The Flash will be the end of an era for Ben Affleck’s Batman 🦇 pic.twitter.com/3PTnykj8Vz
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) March 16, 2023
When asked if he would direct any DC movies now, Affleck was adamant that he would not. The star shared, “I would not direct something for the [James] Gunn DC. Absolutely not.” However, Affleck did make it clear that he does not dislike Gunn and that he is “sure he’s going to do a great job.” Creatively, however, Affleck shared that he “wouldn’t want to go in and direct in the way they’re doing that.”
Fans online understood Affleck’s sentiment, many citing the reshoots of Justice League done by Joss Whedon. It also brought to light the experiences of other stars on set, who have spoken out against Whedon and how he treated them.
So, if Ben Affleck, an established, award winning actor had the worst to say about his time in Whendon’s josstice league, imagine how Ray, Henry and Gal were treated…
— Mandrake Venus (@MandrakeVenus) March 16, 2023
Affleck’s latest film, Air, is coming to theaters on April 5. The trailer is available to watch below.
Writer
