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Will Ben Affleck direct and star in a standalone 'Batman' movie?

Affleck is reportedly in negotiations to star in, co-write, and maybe direct a film about the Caped Crusader. Affleck is already taking on the role for the 2016 film 'Batman v Superman.'

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Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Ben Affleck is reportedly in negotiations to direct and star in a 'Batman' film.

Ben Affleck may direct and star in a new “Batman” film.

It’s being reported that Mr. Affleck is in negotiations to act and maybe direct the movie and is also in negotiations to co-write the film which would center on the Caped Crusader, a role that Affleck is already taking on for the 2016 film “Batman v Superman.” Fan opinion has been mixed about the casting, which has the “Gone Girl” actor playing the role of Batman following the “Dark Knight” film trilogy starring Christian Bale. (Though, as comic book fans like to remind you, some fans were derisive at first about Heath Ledger playing the Joker, too, a role that won Ledger an Academy Award.)

If he took on the job, Affleck will reportedly co-write a “Batman” movie with DC Comics chief creative officer Geoff Johns. Batman, of course, has his home at DC Comics. 

Fans who are doubtful over the involvement of Affleck should at least have their fears assuaged by the presence of Mr. Johns. In addition to his position at DC Comics, Johns has served as a writer for the CW series “Arrow,” which is based on the DC Comics superhero the Green Arrow, and is a co-creator of the CW TV series “The Flash,” which centers on the superhero of the same name. The two TV shows have been well-received by critics and fans, with reviewers calling the shows “the 2014 TV season’s best comic book adaptation” and “thrilling.”

Affleck’s take on Batman will most likely be endlessly debated, but fans should at least trust his prowess behind the camera. Affleck has now directed one film that won the Best Picture Oscar, 2012’s “Argo,” and his being left off the nominations list for the Best Director Oscar prize for that film was viewed by many in Hollywood as a big snub. In addition, his previous two feature film directorial efforts, 2010’s “The Town” and the 2007 film “Gone Baby Gone,” were both highly acclaimed, and he starred in both “Town” and “Argo,” so the challenges of starring and directing in a film won’t be new to him.

In the meantime, fans will get to see the acting part of this equation when Affleck makes his debut as Batman in March 2016.

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