This week brought with it some upsetting news for DC fans, as word has it that the upcoming Flash solo movie won’t be an adaptation of the reality-warping Flashpoint storyline anymore. As we’ve been teased a lot about what this could involve, including roles for Wonder Woman and an alternate Batman, among other things, it’s disappointing to hear that it won’t be coming to the big screen.
WB has yet to comment on the matter – obviously – but according to Mario-Francisco Robles of Revenge of the Fans, a lot of it has to do with Ben Affleck finally making a decision about his future with the DCEU. And it looks like he’s decided to depart the franchise. Or at least, that’s what sources are saying.
ROF’s report notes that typically, their insider usually “errs on the side of caution” when discussing the situation, saying that “things seem to be going a certain way,” before adding, “but that could change.” This time, however, when Robles asked his source about Affleck’s future, things were “very decisive,” with the individual using terms like “toast,” “gone” and “done” in regards to Big Ben’s time in the role.
It should go without saying, but until Affleck, or the studio, comments on his future in the DC Extended Universe – or lack thereof – we can go ahead and file this one in the rumor cabinet for the time being. After all, we’ve heard more back and forth on this situation than we care to keep track of, with seemingly every week bringing with it a new report stating that Ben’s either still committed to the Caped Crusader or that he’s looking to walk.
Unfortunately, it’ll probably still be a while before we learn anything concrete in regards to who’ll be donning the cape and cowl when we see the character on the big screen again, as The Batman has yet to nail down an official start date. Although, with any luck, it could begin production in 2019.
From what we understand, Matt Reeves has been given full creative license over the Caped Crusader’s upcoming solo mission, indicating that the beloved hero – regardless of whether it’s Affleck in the part or someone else – won’t be ready to take flight until 2020.
