I'm gonna get backlash from the Saoirse Ronan article, I can feel it coming. While I deserved a lot of the backlash for the crap editorial, I won't take back my intentions with it and my feelings towards her (perfect Scarlet Witch my ass). But, this isn't about that. I am a supporter of Ben Affleck. Yes, I do believe he has learned from his god awful mistakes (Pearl Harbor isn't one of them if you ask me). He has stepped up as a film maker and as an actor in general. Warner Bros is looking for their answers to guys like Joss Whedon and the big stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Personally, I only enjoyed Man of Steel. Didn't like it, didn't love it but it's also not a good start to a Marvel Studios-esque cinematic universe (although I like what they are doing for Arrow and The Flash on tv being part of the universe). Here, I will explain the one thing they should have Ben Affleck do and why having Ben be part of their universe is a step up rather than deserving the backlash it got. First let's start with what they SHOULD do...
Hire him to rewrite Batman/Superman
You want a Nolan like story with Snyder's amazing visuals? Get Ben Affleck to upgrade the Batman/Superman script. Man of Steel lacked everything except action. Sure, writing isn't going to bring any chemistry between the actors. It'll elevate everything else though if we get Ben Affleck to write the damn thing. He helped write The Town (his best film in my opinion) and Argo and look how they turned out. David Goyer gets way more credit than deserved. He co-wrote Batman Begins and wrote the entire Blade trilogy on his own. Only helped co-write the stories for The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Blade 1,2 and Batman Begins are the only writing credits he deserves getting positive feedback for. Hooray, he gave you a violent Superman movie. Now, let's get a damn good one. Want to know how we do that? Get Ben Affleck to do write the damn thing.
Whew.. now that we got that out of the way. Let's talk about the things his addition does to the DC Cinematic Universe.
Helps further build a Marvel like cast for the universe
Now, Ben is the caliber of actor to be mentioned with the likes of: Anthony Hopkins, Samuel L. Jackson, Glenn Close, Benicio del Toro, Robert Redford, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Ben Kingsley or William Hurt. But, definitely is an Edward Norton of the DC Cinematic Universe. Just a better relationship with the studio is all. Yeah, I went there. But, he is in the same universe as with actors like: Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Shannon (even though his character is dead), Diane Lane, Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe (even though those two are dead too). I won't mention Henry Cavill cause he's still technically a rising star.
Damn good Batman films
Correct me if I am wrong but part of the multiple films deal are the solo Batman movies with him possibly directing them. If he directs them and Ben does a good job in the role in Batman/Superman. Then this further allows the audience to accept not just a new Batman and this being in a Marvel like shared universe but you also get quality Batman films. People will look to Argo for the film that proves Affleck is capable to direct a Batman film. No, look at The Town. It's intense, it's brutal, violent but also has good character development, story pacing, a good story in general and a good romance. All the needs for a Batman flick. But, are people going to look at that film to be the film that shows he can do Batman? No, it'll be overlooked cause of the film that did get them the Academy Award for Best Picture (that they stole from Lincoln. Yes, I am still upset about it).
Long editorial? No. But, it's short, sweet and to the point. We are only going to be into our second movie in the shared universe so there really isn't a lot to say. Personally, I still can't see him as Batman. Only Bruce Wayne. I'm sure he'll prove to be a great Batman. But, between what they should and what he brings to this shared universe and next Superman film. I personally feel this is a smart decision. Even if it's cause they are high on Argo's reception and performance. What are your guys' thoughts? Agree? Disagree? What about thoughts on him in a shared DC Universe and possibly Justice League? Personally, my line up is: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck (as the two guarantees) and then the fan choices are Taylor Cole, Chris Pine (as Hal Jordan) and Charlie Hunnam (as Barry Allen).