Rumors have been circulating for years that Ben Affleck will not be playing Batman in the next film Is Ben Affleck Done Playing Batman? Actor Hints His Run Is Over as New Film Is Announced Sealed with a tweet? Rumors have been circulating for years that Ben Affleck will not be playing Batman in the next film, due to hit theaters summer 2021. Now, the star seems to have finally confirmed he’s hanging up his cape and mask. Get push notifications with news, features and more. On Monday evening, theactor, 46, tweeted a link to a Deadline story with the headline “Ben Affleck Passes The Torch To Next Generation Of Bruce Wayne,” and added his own caption: “Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life.” In February 2017, Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes) confirmed he’d signed on to direct and produce a new Batman movie. On Wednesday, Warner Bros. announced the release date of the anticipated project: June 25, 2021. “I have loved the Batman story since I was a child,” Reeves previously said. “He is such an iconic and compelling character, and one that resonates with me deeply. I am incredibly honored and excited.” PB1190_COMP_V004086458.tif Ben Affleck as Batman | Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/DC Comics Affleck first took on the iconic DC Comics role in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 and assumed it again in 2017 as part of Justice League — alongside, Wonder Woman Gal Gadot, Superman, Henry Cavill, The Flash, Ezra Miller, Aquaman Jason Momoa and Cyborg, Ray Fisher. Also in 2017, he appeared briefly as the character in Suicide Squad. F:PHOTOMediaFactory ActionsRequests DropBox47999#warner brosJL-06722rv3.jpeg Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck and Ezra Miller in Justice League | Credit: Clay Enos/DC Comics Affleck was previously attached to direct an upcoming solo Batman outing but dropped out, leaving room for Reeves to step in. When he appeared at ComicCon in July 2017, the father of three denied the rumors that he would step down as Batman before the new movie rolled around. He even laughed off the idea of being “phased out” and dropped a few f-bombs. RELATED VIDEO: Ben Affleck Takes Short Break from Rehab for a Work Meeting as He Continues Treatment<doc-sep>Ben Affleck is stepping away from "The Batman," making way for a new star to don the Batsuit in director Matt Reeves' solo superhero movie (hits theaters June 25, 2021). Warner Bros. has given no casting indication other than saying that the Bat-Signal is out for an actor to play a younger billionaire Bruce Wayne. Who should get the call for the most coveted role in Hollywood? Hollywood agents are working the phones right now with hopefuls who can shake up the franchise and join the ranks of Affleck, Christian Bale, George Clooney, Val Kilmer and Michael Keaton. We have some thoughts. More:'The Batman' to fly in 2021 without Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne Michael B. Jordan: A no-brainer to bring in the man who brought the menace to Erik Killmonger in "Black Panther." Jordan, 31, has shown how he can buff up, hitting beast mode as Adonis Johnson in "Creed II." No one would scowl better in the cowl. Jack O'Connell: The English actor, 28, showed his stoicism in "Unbroken" and as a soldier in "71," while oozing unstoppable charisma. The eccentric O'Connell is enough of a real-life wild card with that cheeky glint in his eye to give a bit of a crazy streak to the troubled character. Gabriel Chavarria: The Latino actor, 29, is battle-tested playing soldier Preacher in "War for the Planet of the Apes," a Navy SEAL in "Hunter Killer" and will now take the lead in "The Purge" TV series. It's a natural transition to the horrors of crime-ridden Gotham City. Henry Golding: The "Crazy Rich Asians" star has already shown he can handle nonchalant billionaire wealth, and it would be a pretty smooth transition to put him behind the wheel of the Batmobile. Golding, 31, in the Batsuit would be a beautiful sight. Sam Heughan: "Outlander" star Heughan might be pushing the younger concept at 38. But the Scottish actor is physically fit and already starred in the role in the "Batman Live: Arena Tour." He might even still have the suit. Ryan Gosling: You don't even really need an explanation for Gosling. The 38-year-old star can brood with the best and kill with that stare. And isn't it time the world saw those cheekbones behind that mask? Liam Hemsworth: We need to keep one Hemsworth brother working the superhero circuit, so time to start cycling in Liam. Brooding, rugged, at ease with the trappings of fame – Liam, 29, is not only married to Miley Cyrus, he plays a billionaire in the upcoming "Isn't It Romantic?" The dude also heroically saved Cyrus' animals when the Malibu fires torched their home. Theo James: James, 34, was by far the most watchable person in the "Divergent" film series as rebel leader Four and would step perfectly into the masked Caped Crusader part. Fun fact: He sometimes slips into a Bat voice for interviews and it's glorious. Armie Hammer: He was supposed to be Batman in George Miller's "Justice League: Mortal" film in the 2000s. Dude had the role and everything until the whole project got shelved. Since then, he's only become a better actor and a bigger star, and Hammer, 32, has Bale's upper-crusty rich vibe combined with a formidable 6-foot-5 physique. Christian Bale: Pretty hard, some would say impossible, to find a better Batman than the "Dark Knight" star. And talk about acting pedigree: He's now Oscar-nominated for portraying Vice President Dick Cheney in "Vice." Too old at 45? Bale played Cheney as a college student in "Vice" with no problem. Contributing: Brian Truitt<doc-sep>
Warner Bros. has dated "The Batman" for a June 25, 2021 release. The age of the “Batfleck” is officially over. With the news Warner Bros. has set writer-director Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” for a June 2021 theatrical release comes confirmation the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman will no longer be played by Ben Affleck. The actor starred as the character in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “”Justice League,” both of which received critical beatings by the press. Affleck’s future as Batman has remained a mystery for well over a year. At the time of “Justice League’s” release in November 2017, buzz was swirling that Affleck was planning on being written out of the DC Extended Universe. Affleck was originally going to direct “The Batman” himself, but he decided to step away and said the reason was so he could focus exclusively on the character. At Comic-Con 2017, the actor appeared excited for his next Batman movie, telling the crowd, “I’m the luckiest guy. Batman is the coolest fucking part in any universe, DC, Marvel. I’m so excited to do it. I think there’s this misconception that because I’m not directing it I’m not doing it, but I’m so excited to be Batman.” Despite Affleck’s enthusiasm, rumor has always had it that Reeves was intending on having “The Batman” be the first of a new trilogy of movies centered on a younger version of Batman/Bruce Wayne. Reeves, best known for directing “Let Me In” and the “Planet of the Apes” movies, was said to be looking at Jake Gyllenhaal for the role of Batman, but no official casting has ever been confirmed. According to Deadline, Affleck worked hard on “The Batman” script and was well aware “he wasn’t the right one for this particular version.” Reeves will now handpick a new actor to assume the role, making it one of the hottest parts in Hollywood. Affleck can next be seen opposite Charlie Hunnam and Oscar Isaac in J.C. Chandor’s thriller “Triple Frontier,” which will be available to stream on Netflix beginning March 15. Other Affleck projects in the pipeline include starring roles in Universal’s “I Am Still Alive,” an adaptation of the novel by Kate Alice Marshall, and Gavin O. Connor’s “Torrance.” The actor reacted to “The Batman” announcement by sharing Deadline’s article about his exit and writing, “Excited for ‘The Batman’ and to see Matt Reeves’ vision come to life.” Warner Bros. will release “The Batman” in theaters June 21, 2021. Excited for #TheBatman in Summer 2021 and to see @MattReevesLA vision come to life. https://t.co/GNgyJroMIO — Ben Affleck (@BenAffleck) January 31, 2019 Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.