The DC Universe is in a new era. This fall, Warner Brothers Discovery officially formed DC Studios, a division of the industry giant that would be entirely dedicated to producing projects from its vast superhero sandbox. Suicide Squad directed by James Gunn and Shazam! producer Peter Safran was brought in to run the studio, resulting in a complete but fresh start for all things DC. Gunn announced that the franchise would move forward without Henry Cavill as Superman, but DCEU originals such as Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller would return. Throw in rumors of Jason Momoa switching characters entirely, and it’s clear that even if Gunn and Safran want to pick an actor or director, they want to keep the talent they’ve inherited.
One of those people who was potentially recast was Ben Affleck. The DCEU’s Batman actor will don the five and cowl at least one more time this June Flashbut his future past, including his already shot appearance Aquaman and the Lost Empireis uncertain.
Affleck was supposed to be a founding part of the DCEU as he was expected to direct solo. Batman film that follows the character’s 2016 debut Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. Those plans ultimately fell through when DC’s solo Caped Crusader franchise pivoted to Robert Pattinson and Matt Reeves, but Gunn’s clean slate sparked speculation that Affleck could direct. Brave and boldDC Universe’s upcoming Bruce and Damian Wayne project.
Affleck himself has sharply shut down those rumors.
“I wouldn’t direct anything (James) Gunn for DC. Absolutely not,” Affleck said THR. “I have nothing against James Gunn. Nice guy, sure he’s going to do a great job. I just wouldn’t want to go in and direct the way they do it. I’m not interested in that.”
This comes three months after Gunn confirmed he was in talks with Affleck to direct the project in this new-look DC universe. Gunn noted that both parties wanted Affleck to direct, but they needed to “find the right project”. Affleck’s words indicate that his vision for a DC movie, regardless of the character, doesn’t mesh with the tone and style that Gunn is creating for this universe.