Ben Affleck's Batman: What Went Wrong?

4. Stepping Down From Directing The Batman

Along with being the star of Batman v Superman, Ben Affleck had also been tapped to direct a solo outing for the Caped Crusader. Even more than his performance as Bruce Wayne, this was particularly exciting, because through Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and Argo, Affleck had proven himself as a far better director than he is actor (and that's supposed to speak volumes of his directorial talents, rather than his acting shortcomings).

Affleck's reputation as a director took a hit after the release of Live By Night, which bombed critically and commercially upon release in December 2016, and a month later he announced that he was stepping down as director on the solo Batman film, although he remained attached to star and produce.

It was made clear at the time that Live By Night wasn't the reason, although it must've had some impact upon his frame of mind and confidence in his ability to do Batman justice. Matt Reeves was then brought in to direct, and while everyone reiterated Affleck's commitment, it was here that the almost neverending chatter of him potentially leaving the role really started. Reeves had his own ideas for what to do with a Batman film, his own favourite comics to pull from and personality to inject, so there was always going to be doubt over Affleck fitting in.

Not only that, but it looked as though the writing was on the wall. If you've been set to write and direct a film, would you be content to simply star in it? If you're coming on-board to write and direct, would you want an actor who had been the first choice to do your job? Not to doubt the professionalism of either individual, but that's a lot of baggage that would be better off avoided for all concerned, not least the movie itself.