Ben Affleck Cast As Batman Four Years Ago Today
Four years ago today, Ben Affleck was announced to be portraying Batman in the DC Extended [...]
Two And A Half Years Later
Ultimately, Affleck's portrayal of Batman/Bruce Wayne would arrive in theaters in March 2016. Although Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was met with criticisms and remains divisive among fans, there is no questioning the film's financial success as it cruised to nearly $1 billion worldwide as the second film in the current DC Films franchise.
Below is a press release which followed Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's theatrical run, which ultimately landed at $873 million worldwide, and a spot as the #8 film in total gross among comic book movies.
BURBANK, CA – Warner Bros. Pictures' action adventure "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" continues to hit new heights at the box office, reaching a worldwide total of more than $800 million and counting. The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of Worldwide Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Kwan Vandenberg said, "We want to thank our partners in exhibition for their unwavering support in delivering the film, day-and-date, to a record number of screens for a March corridor, further demonstrating our commitment to a 12-month strategy for films of every genre. We also want to thank fans around the world for sharing their passion for these characters and this story by heading to the theatres for 'Batman v Superman,' and we congratulate the cast and filmmakers on the film's ongoing success."
The domestic box office now stands at $301.2 million, with the international box office at $500.5 million, for a global total of $801.7 million.
From director Zack Snyder comes "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," starring Oscar winner Ben Affleck ("Argo") as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent in the characters' first big-screen pairing.
Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City's own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis's most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with each other, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.
Directed by Zack Snyder, the film also stars Oscar nominees Amy Adams ("American Hustle") as Lois Lane, Jesse Eisenberg ("The Social Network") as Lex Luthor, Diane Lane ("Unfaithful") as Martha Kent, and Laurence Fishburne ("What's Love Got to Do with It") as Perry White; Oscar winners Jeremy Irons ("Reversal of Fortune") as Alfred, and Holly Hunter ("The Piano") as Senator Finch; and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince.
Snyder directed from a screenplay written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, based on characters from DC Comics, including Batman, created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, and Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film was produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder, with Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer serving as executive producers.
Snyder's behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Larry Fong ("300," "Watchmen") and production designer Patrick Tatopoulos ("300: Rise of an Empire"), and from his "Man of Steel" team, editor David Brenner, costume designer Michael Wilkinson, visual effects supervisor John "DJ" DesJardin, and Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer ("The Lion King") working in conjunction with composer Junkie XL ("Mad Max: Fury Road").
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, a Zack Snyder film, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." The film can be seen in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, RealD 3D, 3D and in 2D, and is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
Four Years Later
Today, Affleck retains his role as Batman, though controversy surrounds his future with it. The official word from Affleck and reps is that the actor will remain in the role beyond the Justice League movie scheduled for release in November 2017.
At San Diego Comic-Con in July, Affleck took the stage in Hall H to address the rumors.
"Batman is the coolest f*cking part in any universe - DC, Marvel - it's incredible, and I'm so thrilled to do it," Affleck said. "I know there's this misconception that because I didn't direct it I wasn't enthusiastic about it; it's f*cking amazing... and with Matt Reeves doing it, it's like I'd be a f*cking ape on the ground for Matt Reeves - nevermind being Batman! It's incredible! So I'm really blown away and excited and it's a great time in the DC Universe. You're going to see some stuff from Justice League that we're really really proud of, and I'll think you'll see why I'm really excited to be Batman."