After years of speculation, it’s now official: Ben Affleck is stepping away from the role of Batman. The news broke earlier today alongside confirmation that The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves, has secured a release date—June 25, 2021.
Affleck, who has portrayed the Dark Knight since 2013’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, took to Twitter to show support for Reeves and the upcoming film, passing the torch in a message to fans:
Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life. https://t.co/GNgyJroMIO
— Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 31, 2019
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Affleck’s tweet serves as his formal farewell to the role. Deadline added further details, noting that while Affleck was initially set to star in and direct the project from a script co-written with DC’s Geoff Johns, he ultimately chose to step away. The actor has a full slate of upcoming projects, including leading roles in the adaptation of I Am Still Alive and Gavin O’Connor’s Warner Bros. drama Torrance.
Despite his efforts to shape the film’s early story, Affleck reportedly recognized he wasn’t the right fit for this particular version of the character.
With Reeves now fully steering the creative direction, the film is expected to mark a tonal shift from the previous entries in the DCEU. The director described his take as a “point of view-driven, noir Batman tale,” focused deeply on Bruce Wayne’s perspective and emotional journey:
“It’s told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it’s going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional,” Reeves said.
As of now, the search is officially on for a new actor to take on the cape and cowl. Fans have already begun speculating who could inherit the iconic role—and what kind of Batman Reeves has in mind for this darker, detective-driven take on Gotham’s hero.
The Batman is set to hit theaters on June 25, 2021.
How do you feel about Ben Affleck leaving the role of Batman? Who do you think should play the character? Be sure to tell us all of your thoughts in the comments!