It’s been rumoured over the last several months that Ben Affleck has been looking to hang up his cowl for good. Of course, this has led to fans casting doubt over him returning for upcoming solo film
The Batman, wondering if perhaps he’ll walk before the project gets off the ground.
It’s definitely possible, but according to John Campea, who previously broke the scoop that Affleck was looking to leave the role earlier in the year, there’s already a contingency plan in place if that were to happen. He claims that two different Hollywood insiders have told him that
The Batman director Matt Reeves has a specific person in mind who he’s ready to call in the event of Affleck hanging up the cape and cowl.
Campea said the following on his personal Youtube channel:
“I’m hesitant to say anything, but I talked to a Hollywood producer yesterday and they gave me the name of who Matt Reeves wants [to replace Ben Affleck] as Batman. And, I’ve got to be honest with you, that name caught me a little bit by surprise. I called somebody else later in the day, saying: “Hey, I heard this, is there any validity to this?” And they said: “Well, Matt does want him…” But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. There’s been no movement or anything like that.”
He then went on in the video to say that he believes this supposed recast would be a simple swapping of actors that would not be referenced within the same universe, much like how Val Kilmer replaced Michael Keaton for 1995’s
Batman Forever (and how George Clooney replaced Kilmer for 1998’s
Batman & Robin). Campea also ruled out the big theory that DC will use the upcoming Flashpoint movie to change the timeline to explain the new actor saying the following,
“I think it’s going to be a pure recast. "I don’t think they’re going to do anything terribly convoluted with Flashpoint.”
In the past, fans have thrown around names like Jon Hamm, Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Fassbender as potential replacements, but Campea’s surprised reaction to the name suggests it’s not one of those more obvious choices. DC could possibly go for a much smaller star this time, seeing as they need someone who’ll be happy to sign up for several movies. But in reality, it could be anyone.
Just a rumor for now, but what are your thoughts on this? Who do you think could possibly take over the role as
Batman? Do you think Affleck should stay as the character? Let us know in the comments below!