‘I hated the batsuits’: Ben Affleck’s run as Batman was like being in a sauna

Ben Affleck’s time playing Batman in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) was, to say the least, an uncomfortable experience. While fans admired the dark, serious energy he brought to the role, behind the scenes, Affleck struggled because of the famously difficult-to-wear Batsuit. The actor speaks openly about disliking the costume, calling it “horrendous” and a major problem during filming.

Affleck told GQ that the biggest issue was how hot the suit got. Made from thick layers of Lycra and foam, the Batsuit didn’t let air flow through. This turned every scene into what felt like a personal sauna for Affleck. The tight cowl and lack of ventilation trapped his body heat, making him sweat heavily.

Affleck described the feeling as “pouring water,” and it wasn’t just a minor annoyance. The extreme heat slowed production because he and the other actors could only wear the suit for short periods before needing breaks to avoid overheating. Even professional stunt performers, who are used to tough conditions, could only last about 45 to 50 minutes at a time before needing relief.

The Ben Affleck’s Batman (Batfleck) suit was hard to keep on

Apparently, the constant need to cool down and change costumes disrupted filming schedules repeatedly. Putting the suit on was also a major task. It took around 25 minutes and required up to six people to help him into it. Although costume designer Michael Wilkinson praised the suit’s “incredible engineering” and flexibility, which allowed Affleck to move naturally, the actor’s experience suggests that looks were prioritized over comfort.

Affleck said, “I hated the batsuits. The batsuits are horrendous to wear. They’re incredibly hot, for one thing. They don’t breathe. They’re made to look the way they want ‘em to look, and there’s no thought put into the human being.”

The discomfort wasn’t just physical; it also took away from the heroic feeling Affleck was supposed to have while playing Batman. Instead of feeling powerful, he was constantly battling exhaustion and overheating, leaving him sweaty and struggling to stay focused on set.

“… it also does not make you feel very heroic because you’re instantly exhausted and really sweaty and kinda trying to hide like, the sweat pouring down your face. Like, ‘No, we can go again. I’m fine. I’m good.’ And then there’ll be like – eye black is like, running.” Affleck said.

Interestingly, Affleck isn’t the only Batman actor who has dealt with an uncomfortable suit. While he has hinted that Christian Bale and Robert Pattinson might have handled the heat better, the history of difficult-to-wear Batsuits is well known. George Clooney’s much-mocked “nipple suit” from Batman & Robin is a famous example of style being chosen over practicality. Still, Affleck’s honest and detailed description shows just how much discomfort he personally went through, proving how hard the costume was on his body and mood.

The uncomfortable Batsuit was definitely a big reason he decided to leave the role. While he has said he had “a really good time” playing the character, he also pointed out that the DCEU movies appealed to fewer people, with even his son being too scared to watch them.