Ben Affleck Reacts To Having Donald Trump’s Support As Batman

Comic book fans can get quite critical when it comes to movies based on their favorite characters, passionately supporting or decrying every casting decision about their favorite characters. During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the host wanted to remind Ben Affleck that, no matter what fans might think, TV host Donald Trump supports the actor playing Batman.

“I have to say, it really made me reconsider everything I’ve ever thought about the man,” Affleck joked to the host after reciting the tweet. “Ya know, he could be on to something, could be a genius.”

He added, “He should certainly do casting, get into the casting business.”

Trump posted the message in September of 2013 following the announcement that Affleck would play the Caped Crusader, but it would be over two years before audiences saw his take on the character in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.

With most of its casting decisions, whether it be Henry Cavill as Superman or Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Warner Bros. has sought lesser-known actors who could fully embrace their characters for the DC Extended Universe of films, with Affleck breaking from that tradition. Having starred in movies for nearly three decades, many fans were nervous that they would see the actor more than they’d see the character, creating many challenges for the films.

Since the debut of Batman v. Superman, Affleck’s involvement in the DCEU has seemed questionable, as the films have been receiving poor reviews and, given his status in Hollywood, has led to rumors that he’s slowly trying to exit the franchise.

Reports on the matter have been conflicting, with Affleck often trying to be vocal about his involvement in the franchise, but given that he was slated to direct the upcoming solo Batman film, which will now be helmed by Matt Reeves, signs are pointing towards the actor’s exit.

“You don’t do it forever, so I want to find a graceful and cool way to segue out of it,” Affleck recently told USA Today. After only two appearances in the shared universe of films, he added that his involvement in the solo film is merely “something I’m contemplating.”

You can judge Affleck’s performance for yourself in Justice League, which hit theaters this weekend.

[H/T YouTube, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert]