The Flash: 10 Ways Ben Affleck's Batman Could Be Written Out Of The DCEU
Ben Affleck has booked one final appearance in the DCEU, but how will Batman's story end?
Ahead of Saturday's DC FanDome, it was confirmed that Ben Affleck is set to reprise the role of Batman in 2022's The Flash movie. Following the release of Justice League, he decided to leave the DC Extended Universe, and gave up on plans to direct and star in The Batman shortly after; so, to say this news came as a surprise would be an understatement.
The actor is expected to have a small, but key role, in The Flash, and director Andy Muschietti has since revealed that Batman is responsible for creating the Scarlet Speedster's new costume (he's also expected to serve as the young hero's mentor). Michael Keaton's Batman is expected to factor heavily into the movie, though, and it's believed he'll have a place in the DCEU moving forward.
Unfortunately, that alone points to the days of "Batfleck" being near their end, and it makes sense for Warner Bros. to use The Flash as a farewell of sorts for this version of the iconic DC Comics superhero.
There are a number of ways that can be done, whether it's with a tragic conclusion to his story or one that ties into the wider DCEU and potentially sets the stage for future tales without him. Ultimately, this movie serves as a chance to make things right with his Batman, and any one of these suggestions would help make that a reality...
10. The Flash Makes A Tragic Mistake
During DC FanDome, it was confirmed that Barry Allen uses his abilities to travel back in time and save his mother's life. She was murdered when he was a child, and his father, Henry, ended up being accused of killing her (in reality, it was the Reverse-Flash, but Barry doesn't know that yet).
In the comic books, by heading back in time, the Flash inadvertently creates a new timeline where Aquaman and Wonder Woman have torn the world apart by fighting each other, Superman is held in government captivity, and Bruce Wayne was gunned down in place of his parents as a child. How much of that will make it into this movie remains to be seen, but Barry's actions will have consequences.
In this case, it could be the disappearance of his mentor, Bruce Wayne. Upon returning to his new present/future, the Fastest Man Alive realising that he's essentially wiped Batman out of existence would drive home the impact of his actions and potentially leave the door open to Barry trying to bring his friend back in a future adventure...or just forgetting that he ever existed in the first place.