Ok, so everyone has an opinion regarding the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman in the forthcoming Warner Brothers/DC Comics’ film, Batman v Superman. Initially, fan reaction was mercilessly caustic, bashing the seemingly limited breadth of Affleck’s acting chops and the nearly silly films he allowed himself to take part in (Jersey Girl, anyone?).
Personally, I was quite excited when Warner Brothers made the announcement. Why? Because Affleck can act. Have you seen The Town? Affleck played Doug MacRay, a very, very serious, torn and determined bank robber ready to leave a life of subsisting on said bank robbery. The Town was a film Affleck starred in and directed, so the guy’s a genuine talent. In addition to his often overlooked acting abilities, Affleck’s age and build is also perfect for the kind of Batman Zack Snyder, director of Batman v Superman, had in mind when creating the forthcoming film set to introduce a connected, expansive DC Comics’ movie universe.
And then, someone else chimed in, a wonderfully talented actor who, during his illustrious career, tied on a Bat-cape and clasped together a utility belt in Joel Schumacher’s universally panned Bat-film, Batman and Robin. That’s right, I’m talking about Mr. George Clooney. In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, the former Batman cowl-bearer George Clooney was asked about his opinion regarding the casting of Ben Affleck as Batman. Clooney’s response was, characteristically, Clooney-smooth.
“I am the least qualified person to comment on anyone playing the role of Batman since I so terribly destroyed the part,” he laughed, before adding: “I tend to look at it like this – let’s just see what the movie is before everyone starts beating him up. He is a smart man, he knows what he is doing.”
Okay, so he trusts in Affleck’s ability to choose quality films. Good, good, this is a positive. And he’s asking that the public refrain from casting judgement until the final product is released. Okay, that sounds reasonable. So, is he endorsing Ben Affleck? Well, not really, but George certainly has respect for the man. This…this is a good thing.
Regardless of your opinion on Ben Affleck, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice debuts March 25, 2016 and stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams and Laurence Fishburne.
