I’ve noticed that every time there is a new Batman/Superman rumor or announcement, users complain and whine while some even claim the movie (and by extension the entire DCCU) is "doomed" - even when there is really no logical and legitimate reason. This is why I think such complaints are, currently, unfounded :
1. BATFLECK, CASTING, AND CASTING RUMORS
I’ve been onboard with Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne right from the start. While I feel there were better choices (Josh Brolin), Ben Affleck has grown a great deal as both an actor and a director - just look at The Town and Argo. Ben has the look and the chops to pull this off. Snyder has confidence (he is fantastic with casting) and Affleck himself certainly has enough confidence he can pull it off (why would he risk playing another superhero if he was unsure of his ability and the strength of the script). Plus there is always negative feedback to casting like this (such as Michael Keaton in the 1980s and Heath Ledger most recently). As for other rumored casting, this is where I feel people really need to relax. Remember these are just rumors and not casting confirmations. And if some of these rumored individuals do get cast then its because WB, Snyder, and everyone involved has confidence in them. For example, both Gal Gadot and Olga Kurylenko have been linked to the Diana Prince/Wonder Woman cameo. They're both attractive and have a more exotic look (which fits WW). While they wouldn't be my first choices, I think if they put on some more muscle, either of them could work. But like I said, most of this stuff is rumor based, there is no real reason to get angry over some of these actors and actresses before we even see them on screen or in costume, let alone cast.
2. TOO CROWDED/RUSHING THE DCCU?
This one throws me off the most. I’m not entirely sure why people think the movie has become “too crowded”. There have been rumors of Nightwing, Barry Allen (The Flash), and Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) all appearing in the film; however, people fail to realize the minimal role they will more than likely have in the movie, let alone if they will appear at all. The rumors concerning Barry and Diana suggest they will have cameos and not even be in costume - appearances like this are common in comic book movies (e.g. Tony Stark in Incredible Hulk, Black Widow in Iron Man 2, Clint Barton in Thor, etc..). While its believed that Nightwing will have a larger role in terms of Batman’s arc in the film, this makes sense given the fact that Batman is a bit more mature and seasoned - hence, in terms of a Batman timeline, Nightwing can exist (maybe have some backstory with flashbacks or something). So in reality Batman and Superman are the only two confirmed for the film and the focus will largely be on them; at most we will get a couple cameos (to set up solo films down the line) and an appearance from Nightwing - all of which should make any fan giddy with excitement. Once they introduce the two core characters of the DC Universe and plant the seeds for further characters, they can actually begin to branch out with (hopefully) Wonder Woman and Flash films before (or maybe after) Justice League.
3. THE TITLE
While I agree the rumored titles are not that great they are far superior to “Batman vs Superman” and some are even better than “World’s Finest”. “BvS” sounds like some campy movie title like Alien vs Predator (*shudder*) and “World’s Finest” means nothing to non-comic book fans. Personally I like “Man of Steel: Shadow of the Night” (though I think it should be ‘Knight‘ or ‘Bat’) and “Man of Steel: Knight Fall” - they get the point across that this is a sequel to Man of Steel while alluding to Batman’s presence in the film. But honestly who cares? Seriously. Batman and Superman are appearing together in a movie, does the title really matter?
4. THE STORY
We know very little about the story (if anything) so its kinda hard to complain about it - but of course fanboys find it quite easy to. All I’ll say is that I was a big fan of Man of Steel despite its flaws. While it didn’t live up to the the Dark Knight Trilogy (could any CBM ever?), it delivered an emotional, character-driven, and action-packed telling of the Superman mythos - which is all I ever wanted from a Superman movie. In fact I’d say it made me a Superman fan (which I never would have expected would ever happen). I agree with most people that the Superman of the sequel should be more hopeful (especially to contrast him against Batman) and that some of the criticisms of the third act should be addressed (Snyder has already suggested they will be dealt with). As for some of the bat-drone and semi-retired Batman rumors, people need to realize 1. Batman is SEMI retired, not fully retired - hence using drones (an element of Kingdom Come) to watch over everything and 2. That the events of MOS and/or whatever happens early on in the sequel will more than likely draw him back into being a full time hero again - Batman isn't going to be sitting on his ass the whole movie! Currently there is really no reason to get that worked up about anything story related. At this point and time I have confidence in Goyer and Snyder.
So there you have it. Is all the whining about every Batman/Superman rumor and announcement really warranted? I don’t think so. But of course that’s just me. I’m sure that, despite any of this, fanboy's and people's complaints will continue - hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if the thread on this editorial breaks out into a troll occupied flame war for no reason. But hopefully some of you will act civilized and ultimately look at all future rumors through a more logical and open-minded lens.
Thanks for reading!