Here’s what Ben Affleck, the highly respected actor who played Batman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), has to say about his take on the character’s arc. He opened up about the personal challenges that pushed him away from this legendary character. Affleck made his debut as the Dark Knight in Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and reprised the role in both the theatrical and director’s cut versions of Justice League. Most notably, his years as Batman were fraught with deep emotional turmoil. He struggled with alcohol abuse and the repercussions from his marriage to actress Jennifer Garner.
Affleck was initially supposed to direct and star in a solo Batman movie, but he couldn’t follow through. He shared a new script for The Batman with a friend. This version was a whole new ballgame, totally unconnected from his past work. The response he got was nothing short of sobering, with his best friend telling him, “I think the script is great. I further believe you will literally drink yourself to death if you do what you just did a second time.” This conversation had a substantial impact on Affleck, who recognized that he needed to prioritize his health over his career ambitions.
While portraying the character of Batman was emotionally and creatively fulfilling for Affleck, it ultimately took a physical toll. He characterized the experience as tiring, noting, “So in that thing, you’d just be sweating bullets.” Whatever it was, the intense training and psychological preparation it took to assume the mantle of the Caped Crusader weighed heavily. It was difficult, but boy, did he love being in the “SnyderVerse.” He understood the benefits and the perils of playing such an inimitable character.
Affleck’s battle with alcoholism was widely known and exacerbated by Affleck’s own toxic, personal behavior. His divorce from Garner played a major role in his decision to exit the role of Bruce Wayne. In the fallout from Justice League’s release, Snyder zeroed in on getting sober and rebuilding his career—both on and off screen. In a raw 2020 interview with fellow actor Dax Shepard, he talked candidly about his issues. He described how these challenges affected his home life and work obligations.
Even with these hurdles ahead of him, Affleck has been reluctant to share much about his time as Batman. He freely speaks about the challenges he has faced as an actor. Straddling that line between leading while fighting his own demons is tough. Recently, he has shared his appreciation for the opportunity to play Batman. All the while, he has turned inward, contemplating the personal costs of having filled that role.