In case it wasn’t already obvious, the Batman we’ll see in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice next year is much different to what’s come before. For starters, it’s pretty clear that Zack Snyder is taking a lot more from the comics than directors like Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan did, while the fact that we’re skipping the origin story is also a fairly big deal (even if the murder of the Waynes will still be covered in some way).
Asked in a recent interview to describe his take on the Caped Crusader, star Ben Affleck was quick to point out how he’s both different and the same to previous versions of the iconic DC Comics character.
“Usually, the films show Batman starting off, or in the prime of his career. Here, you’re dealing with an older version, a guy at the end of his journey. He’ll find meaning in his own life during his conflict with Superman. He really thinks Superman is an existential menace, and he believes destroying him will be his legacy. We also play a bit more with the billionaire playboy side of the character. He lives that life at full tilt. He courts many women, owns many cars, and parties a lot. He does that as a way to fill the void in his soul. Moreover, past incarnations dealt with a straightforward search for justice. This time, Batman’s reasoning is clouded by frustration, bitterness and anger.”
It’s hard to fault anything the actor says there, and it definitely sounds like Snyder has nailed this take on the Dark Knight in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. As for the inevitable comparisons to Christian Bale’s version and whether or not he did anything specifically to differentiate this Bruce Wayne from that one, Affleck added:
“I don’t want to compete with other incarnations, nor do I want to emulate them. Those versions belong in another universe. Christopher Nolan used his Batman to tell a finite story. My version is different, but remains faithful to the Batman mythology and all the themes associated with it. The other difference is that Nolan’s Batman isn’t part of a universe where other superheroes exist as well. Here – because we’re working towards the Justice League – there’s Superman, and it’s a world populated with super beings. This situation generates an altogether new reality.”
Of course, the one things fans are particularly glad won’t be in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice is the sometimes ridiculously gruff voice Bale would use while suited up.
Tell us, what are you most looking forward to seeing from Affleck’s take on this hero? As always, head to the comments section to let us know your thoughts.
