Ben Affleck says his time as Batman was over way too soon, fans agree

There are very few cinematic roles quite as iconic as Batman. In fact, James Bond may be the only comparable example. These roles continue to stand the test of time, as one actor hands the baton to another - each bringing their own unique interpretation.

There have been seven onscreen Batmans: Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, and Robert Pattinson. Of course, many more have voiced the character. There’s no escaping the fact that everybody has their favourite Batman - mine is Christian Bale, although Robert Pattinson could nab the prize if The Batman’s sequel delivers - so it’s a shame when that actor’s tenure comes to a close. With four film credits as Batman, Ben Affleck’s iteration has technically made the most onscreen appearances but that hasn’t stopped fans from decreeing that his time as the caped crusader was cut too short.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom drew the DCEU to a close.

Ben Affleck portrayed the role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, Justice League, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, and The Flash. Given that Affleck made the most on screen appearances, it’s somewhat odd that he never truly got his own standalone movie. As shared by DCFilmNews, Affleck previously reflected on his final appearance as the character, via his cameo in The Flash. “I was thrilled to come back and do it, and I don’t want to give it away, but I really like the little idea that I got to do,” he began.

“I finally figured out what I really wanted to look into about this part. I enjoyed it and had a wonderful time. [...] It was a lot of fun. I really had a great time and it was over too soon,” he continued. While it feels as if Affleck was referring to his time shooting The Flash with that latter statement, fans have taken the “over too soon” sound bite and ran.

“Agreed Ben, agreed. Your time as Batman was over WAY too soon,” tweeted CanWeGetToast, while Nexyyy7 added, “His Batman movie would have been the greatest.” Another user declared, “The best Batman ever”.

Well, we’re entering a brand new era for the DCU, heralded in by Peter Saffran and James Gunn. Things will get underway with Superman: Legacy on 11 July, 2025.